• Published on: Aug 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Cardiologist

Control Your Blood Pressure. High Blood Pressure Is A Major Risk Factor For Heart Disease.

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How to Prevent Heart Attacks 

Most people are worried after they have had a heart attack, but there is plenty you can do to reduce the likelihood of another one. For instance, taking medicine and doing cardiac rehabilitation might work wonders in your favor!

So, the last time you had a heart attack probably scared you. It's not hard to see why! You might be wondering if that means another one could happen at any minute or how long it will take before your risk of having another is minimized enough for you to relax again. Well don't fret because there are steps, we can take now and ways in which things like medicine, cardiac rehabilitation therapy, and changes with our lifestyle help us heal so let's talk about them today shall we?

Your doctor will tell you when to take your medicines. You'll also be given a prescription for aspirin and other anti-platelet medications, statins, blood pressure medicine... Do not stop taking them unless they're prescribed by the specialist or told to do so. If you become negligent with this regimen then it may potentially have dire consequences on your health in the future - such as another heart attack!

Managing your health is the best way to decrease your chance of having another heart attack. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are all factors that can increase a person's risk for experiencing a severe event again. If you do have one or more of these conditions then there are lifestyle changes that will help lower this increased risk, quitting smoking, eating better, and being active. However, if none of those work enough then medication might also be necessary in order to manage them properly

Heart disease is a serious condition that can take your life. Luckily, there are things you can do to combat heart-related problems and lower the risk of having another attack. This includes managing other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes if they apply to you by making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating better, and being more active; but for some people, these don't help enough so it's important to get medical attention too!

Managing other health problems can help lower your chance of having another heart attack. Problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes increase the risk for a heart attack. If you have any of these conditions make lifestyle changes to improve it or if not enough, try taking medicine that will manage the condition!

Cardiac rehab can ALSO help lower your risk of having another heart attack. The program is designed for you and supervised by doctors and other specialists to provide the best care based on all that's going on with your health-wise. You'll learn how to manage your heart disease, any other illnesses, or conditions, as well as ways in which exercise will benefit both yourself mentally and physically.

It's never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle. The changes you make now can help lower your risk of having another heart attack and could also lead to better overall health in the future for yourself or your loved ones. Some tips are as follows: quit smoking; avoid secondhand smoke wherever possible; be active by getting at least 30 minutes on most days during any type of physical activity that fits with what is safe for you (walking if this doesn't cause pain); eat a diet low in salt, saturated fat

You should make healthy lifestyle changes if you want to reduce your risk of having another heart attack. Ask your doctor for help quitting smoking, get some exercise every day, and eat a diet low in salt and saturated fat!

A healthy lifestyle can help you lower the risk of another heart attack. From quitting smoking to eating a diet low in salt and saturated fat, there are many ways for you to live longer with less stress on your body. Here are some things that might work well:

Quit Smoking! Tobacco use often increases one's likelihood of having coronary events such as heart attacks or angina by up to four times when compared to individuals who have never smoked tobacco products

1; it is also important not to be exposed to secondhand smoke

2. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been shown effective at helping people quit

3, while counseling may further increase success rates   

Read Blog
Mental health issues in Indian elderly

Mental Health Issues in Indian Elderly: A Growing Concern Often Overlooked

India’s senior population is growing faster than ever before. By 2050, one in five Indians will be above 60 years of age - a remarkable demographic shift. But behind this silver lining lies a silent crisis: mental health among India’s elderly.

The Hidden Struggle Behind Aging

Old age brings wisdom, but also biological and emotional challenges. Retirement, loss of loved ones, financial dependency, or health decline can trigger mental distress. Yet, these issues often go unnoticed because families mistake them for “normal signs of aging.”

According to the National Mental Health Survey by NIMHANS, nearly 20% of India’s elderly experience mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety. In rural areas, the situation is worse due to lack of awareness and healthcare access.

Common Mental Health Problems in Indian Seniors

  1. Depression - Often triggered by loneliness, bereavement, or chronic illnesses. Signs include low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, or changes in appetite and sleep.
     

  2. Dementia - A progressive decline in memory and cognition, often misinterpreted as forgetfulness. India has over 5 million dementia patients, projected to double by 2050.

  3. Anxiety & Sleep Disorders - Worries about health, finances, or safety cause insomnia, irritability, or constant tension.

  4. Substance Use - Some elderly turn to alcohol or sedatives to cope, worsening mental health.

  5. Psychosomatic Disorders - Emotional pain often manifests physically - headaches, fatigue, or chronic pain without clear medical cause.
     

Cultural & Social Roots of the Crisis

India’s traditional joint family system once offered emotional security. But with urbanization and migration, many elders now live alone or in old-age homes. The HelpAge India (2024) survey found that 47% of elderly Indians feel neglected by their families, and 36% experience loneliness regularly.

Moreover, stigma remains strong - elders hesitate to discuss “mental illness” for fear of being labeled weak or burdensome.

Health System Challenges

Despite national programs like NPHCE, access to geriatric psychiatry or counseling is still limited. Less than 10% of primary healthcare centers have a trained mental health professional.

However, initiatives like Tele-MANAS (2023) - India’s national mental health helpline (14416) - are bridging the gap by providing free counseling and referral support through phone and telemedicine.

Steps Toward Better Elderly Mental Health

  1. Regular Screening: Routine depression and cognitive checks during health visits.

  2. Community Programs: Local NGOs, senior clubs, and faith groups can provide social support.

  3. Family Awareness: Encourage open dialogue, empathy, and daily engagement.

  4. Physical Activity: Even gentle yoga or morning walks improve mood and sleep.

  5. Digital Inclusion: Teach seniors to use smartphones for connecting with family or online therapy platforms.
     

The Role of Platforms Like SecondMedic

SecondMedic integrates mental wellness and teleconsultation for senior citizens - offering easy video counseling, medication delivery, and home diagnostics. Elderly patients can book sessions without traveling long distances or waiting in clinics, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Conclusion

Mental health in India’s elderly isn’t just a medical issue - it’s a social one. Aging should bring peace, not isolation. Recognizing emotional distress, breaking stigma, and encouraging conversation can transform how we care for our elders.

A healthy heart and body mean little without a healthy mind. Let’s make sure our elders live with dignity, purpose, and connection.

Help your loved ones find care from the comfort of home - Book an online mental wellness consultation on SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

 

Real Data, Surveys & Links

  • National Mental Health Survey (NIMHANS, 2023): 15–20% elderly with mental disorders.
    nimhans.ac.in

  • HelpAge India Report 2024: 47% of elders feel neglected by families.
    helpageindia.org

  • National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Govt. initiative for senior health.
    nhp.gov.in

  • Tele-MANAS Helpline (MoHFW, 2023): 14416 - free national mental health line.
    mohfw.gov.in
     

Dementia India Report (AIIMS & ARDSI, 2024): 5.3 million affected, projected to double by 2050.
ardsi.org

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