Experts on Sunday said following a proper lifestyle could prevent 90 per cent of heart attacks.

On the eve of World Heart Day, cardiologists associated with Heart Hospital, Kankerbagh, enlightened residents on the various heart ailments and how to keep these at bay.

“There are several ways by which one can reduce chances of developing heart ailments such as maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol level. Smoking, junk food, alcohol and tension lead to excess formation of low-density lipoprotein in the body, also known as bad cholesterol. If low-density lipoprotein is high, there is a chance of developing blood pressure and diabetes. These two are correlated to heart related ailments. Maintaining a proper lifestyle, including having a proper diet, is the need of the hour,” said Dr Prabhat Kumar, medical director, Heart Hospital, Kankerbagh.

On the lifestyle to be followed to keep the heart in good shape, Prabhat said: “A morning walk for around 30 to 40 minutes is important. Taking green vegetables and avoiding junk food, alcohol and smoking could be very helpful. Those who drink alcohol should limit the intake. Drinking milk at night is a strict no-no. It is advisable to walk for 30 minutes after drinking milk at night. While the majority of cholesterol is produced by the body, the food which we eat also has a significant role in increasing the cholesterol level. Milk also increases the low density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The higher the fat content in milk, the more it increases the low-density lipoprotein level in the body.”

Dr Abhinav Bhagat, talked about the increasing heart ailments among people above the age of 30.

“Those who are above 30 should regularly get their blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol checked. All these factors are associated with heart diseases. One can also suffer from heart disease if he/she has a family history. Hereditary factors are also responsible,” said Bhagat.

Dr Rajeev Krishna, another doctor associated with the heart hospital, said: “Food such as nuts, grains and vegetables that contain mono-saturated fat is advisable for keeping the heart in a good shape. However anything one eats should be in limit. Eating anything beyond a limit can be harmful.”