Consuming processed foods can triple the risk of heart attacks. A senior cardiologist, Dr. Chandramani Adhikari, emphasizes the correlation between processed food consumption and increased chances of heart attacks in individuals with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. Particularly alarming is the trend of heart attacks among young adults who regularly consume processed foods.
Research indicates that individuals aged 50 and older face a significantly higher risk of heart attacks, with the possibility increasing up to eight times for those above 65. Women aged 49 and younger who consume processed foods have a 13 times higher risk of heart attacks compared to those who do not.
In Nepal, 6% of men and 3% of women consume processed foods, contributing to the rising prevalence of heart attacks. Dr. Adhikari highlights a concerning increase in heart disease cases over the years, attributed to unhealthy diets, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
Moreover, lifestyle changes such as physical inactivity, stress, and smoking also play a significant role in the surge of heart attacks. Dr. Adhikari stresses the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding processed foods to mitigate the risk of heart attacks.
In a distressing statistic, it is revealed that in Nepal, over 27,000 deaths annually are linked to processed food consumption. The detrimental effects extend beyond the individual, affecting family members with respiratory issues, heart diseases, and even cancer due to exposure to second-hand smoke and processed foods.
Dr. Adhikari underlines the critical window of 12 hours post-heart attack where immediate medical attention can significantly increase a patient’s chances of survival. The hospital offers free angioplasty procedures to economically disadvantaged patients to address the financial burden associated with heart attack treatment.
Furthermore, Dr. Adhikari sheds light on the prevalence of heart attacks during colder months, emphasizing the risks associated with smoking and consuming processed foods in such climates. The importance of timely medical intervention, healthy lifestyle choices, and prompt recognition of heart attack symptoms is crucial in saving lives.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 26, 2025 7:13 pm