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Beware! Here’s how asthma can double the risk of cardiovascular issues

On World Asthma Day, an expert tells you about the link between asthma and heart conditions and why you must be careful.
Women over 40 are more prone to heart diseases. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Amit Patil Published: 3 May 2022, 11:00 am IST
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There are various conditions that can raise one’s risk of heart problems and one of them is asthma. Yes, if you have an asthma patient at home, you must be alert and keep the condition under control as it can take a toll on their heart. Here, we help you to understand the connection between asthma and heart problems.

Nobody should take their asthma lightly at all if you wish to keep your heart healthy.

Asthma patients should take proper precautions. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. It is a chronic lung condition that can interfere with your daily routine. So, you will be unable to do your real-world activities with ease. The symptoms of this condition are coughing, wheezing, gasping for air, chest tightness, and dizziness. Certain things such as air pollution, smoking, chemicals, irritants such as perfumes, and allergies can trigger this condition. There are a large number of people who are fighting this condition.

Moreover, this condition will not only impact your lungs but even your heart.

Decoding the connection between asthma and heart disease

* Those with active asthma should take charge of their health, and control asthma symptoms, to improve their quality of life and cut down the risk of a heart attack. Reportedly, inactive asthma may not be linked to an increased risk of a heart attack.

* Did you know that asthma and heart disease are linked to inflammation? Inflammation can lead the arteries to harden and in asthma, there will be swelling of the airways. Sometimes, those with asthma and their caregivers mistake heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, since these are also symptoms of asthma. Thus, you will immediately have to consult the doctor to know the underlying condition behind the symptoms.

Moreover, both these health concerns share the same risk factors such as obesity, air pollution, smoking, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and stress.

Also Read: World Asthma Day: Yoga poses for relief from asthma

Eat and exercise well to keep your heart healthy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The takeaway

Those with asthma need to take utmost care of their lungs and heart by sticking to a healthy diet, exercising daily, maintaining an optimum weight, quitting smoking and alcohol, staying stress-free, and avoiding exposure to air pollution, and other harsh chemicals.

 

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Dr Amit Patil

Dr Amit Patil Cardiologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai ...Read More

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