10 Tips for Cardiovascular Fitness: How Dental Health Can Impact Your Heart, According to UAE Doctors

 

10 Tips for Cardiovascular Fitness: How Dental Health Can Impact Your Heart, According to UAE Doctors

On this World Heart Day, healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of prioritizing heart health and adopting healthier lifestyles, particularly in light of the alarming rise in heart attacks among young residents in the UAE. This year's theme, "Use Heart, Know Heart," underscores the need for proactive heart care, and UAE cardiologists have shared practical tips to help safeguard our cardiovascular well-being.

Dr. Houssein Ali Mustafa, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Saudi German Hospital Dubai, offers the following recommendations:

1. Get Active: Strive for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Regular physical activity not only supports heart health but also aids in weight management, stress reduction, and improved blood pressure and circulation.

2. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, it's crucial to quit immediately, as tobacco is a major contributor to heart disease.

3. Oral Health: Visit a dentist regularly as there's evidence linking oral health to cardiovascular disease risk. Dental issues such as infection, tooth loss, and periodontitis are associated with an increased risk of heart-related problems.

4. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep per night. Establish a healthy sleep routine, including sleeping in a dark, cool room with minimal light exposure, turning off screens at least an hour before bedtime, and eating at least three hours before sleep. Quality sleep supports metabolic health and reduces the risk of heart disease.

5. Manage Weight: Be mindful of your weight and waistline, as both factors contribute to an elevated risk of heart disease.

6. Stress Reduction: Excessive stress is a known risk factor for heart disease, so it's essential to find effective ways to manage and reduce stress.

Dr. Mohamed Al Gizy, a cardiologist at Prime Medical Centre, Rahmania Mall, adds the following tips:

1. Healthy Breakfast: Begin your day with a nutritious breakfast that includes fresh fruit, lean proteins (such as eggs, yogurt, and low-fat dairy), and complex whole grains.

2. Limit Sugar: Reduce your sugar intake, and consider opting for natural and high-quality sweeteners like honey and dark chocolate over refined, processed sweets.

3. Avoid Second-Hand Smoke: Stay away from environments where you may be exposed to second-hand smoke, which can harm your heart health.

4. Manage Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Blood Sugar: Regularly monitor and control these key health metrics to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Dr. Naveed Ahmed, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Aster Hospital Mankhool, underscores the urgency of addressing heart health, particularly among younger residents. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and increased stress levels have contributed to a concerning trend of heart attacks in people in their 30s. However, making positive lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and promote heart health for all UAE residents.