• 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   

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Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids

Nutritional Deficiencies in Indian Kids: Recognizing, Preventing & Overcoming “Hidden Hunger”

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy — tall, strong, smart, and full of energy. But in India, many kids suffer from what is known as “hidden hunger.” It means that even though they are eating, their diet lacks essential nutrients. These nutritional deficiencies can affect growth, learning, immunity, and long-term health. In this blog, we’ll explore the major nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids, what causes them, how to detect them, and what parents can do. Let’s dive into nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids.

 

What Are the Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies?

Based on recent research and national surveys, the following are among the most widespread deficiencies in Indian children:

  • Iron Deficiency / Anaemia
    A large percentage of Indian kids (especially under-5s) have low hemoglobin and low iron stores. Anaemia can cause tiredness, slow cognitive development, and lowered immunity. Lippincott Journals+2PMC+2
     

  • Vitamin A Deficiency
    Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immunity, and healthy cells. Many children under 5 show sub-clinical deficiency; some show clinical signs like night blindness. Lippincott Journals+1
     

  • Iodine Deficiency
    Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone production, which affects brain development. Lack of iodine can lead to goitre, delayed mental development, and poor school performance. Lippincott Journals+2thyrocare.com+2
     

  • Vitamin D Deficiency
    Even though India is sunny, many children have low vitamin D — due to indoor living, limited sun exposure, skin coverage, or dietary gaps. This impacts bone health, growth, and risks rickets. PMC+1
     

  • Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)
    In poorer or marginalized communities, children may not get enough protein or calories. This leads to underweight, wasting, stunting, and weakened immunity. Lippincott Journals+2HDFC ERGO+2
     

  • Other Micronutrients (Vitamin B12, folate, zinc etc.)
    Deficiencies in B12 & folate can affect cell division, blood production, nerve function; zinc deficiency weakens immunity & slows growth. PMC+2nanhedil.com+2
     

 

Why Do These Deficiencies Happen?

Understanding the causes helps in prevention:

  1. Dietary Factors
    Many diets are heavy in cereals or starches but low in diversity. Meals may lack fruits, vegetables, animal-source foods (meat, eggs, fish) or fortified products.
     

  2. Bioavailability of Nutrients
    Even when foods contain nutrients, they may not be absorbed well. For example, plant-based iron is less readily absorbed, phytates in grains and legumes can reduce absorption.
     

  3. Socioeconomic Constraints
    Poverty, food insecurity, access issues, lack of awareness, and sometimes traditional/cultural food beliefs limit access to nutrient-rich foods.
     

  4. Living Conditions and Health
    Frequent infections, parasitic infestations, poor hygiene, etc., can increase nutrient loss or demand. Also sunlight exposure (important for vitamin D) is inadequate in many cases.
     

  5. Gaps in Implementation of Prevention Programs
    Though India has multiple programs (fortification, supplement distribution, ICDS, National Nutrition Mission etc.), challenges remain in reach, compliance, quality, and behavioural change.
     

 

Effects of Nutritional Deficiencies

These deficiencies have short-term and long-term effects:

  • Growth stunting (children don’t reach their full height potential)
     

  • Wasting (low weight for height), underweight
     

  • Impaired cognitive development & learning difficulties
     

  • Weak immune system ? more infections
     

  • Delayed motor skills, poor school performance
     

  • Bone deformities (rickets, weak bones)
     

  • Poor quality of life; in severe cases, increased mortality
     

 

How to Detect & Diagnose Early

Taking action early helps avoid permanent harm. Key strategies include:

  • Regular growth monitoring: Checking weight, height, BMI for age
     

  • Look for signs: Pale skin or lips, tiredness, delayed milestones, frequent illness, bone pain or deformities (knees bowing, wrist/ankle enlargement)
     

  • Lab tests:
     

    • Haemoglobin & complete blood count
       

    • Serum ferritin for iron stores
       

    • Serum levels for vitamin A (retinol)
       

    • 25-OH vitamin D test
       

    • Serum B12, folate
       

    • Urinary iodine excretion or salt iodine test
       

    • Protein / albumin levels
       

Using broad vitamin profiles (like those from Thyrocare) can help screen for multiple deficiencies in one go.

 

Foods, Diet & Prevention: What Parents / Caregivers Can Do

Here are practical steps parents can take:

  • Diversify diet: Include pulses, legumes, eggs, dairy, meat (if non-vegetarian), fish; plenty of green leafy vegetables & fruits.
     

  • Fortified foods: Use iodised salt; choose cereals / milk products fortified with vitamins & iron.
     

  • Sunlight exposure: Encourage outdoor activities; even short daily sun exposure (face, arms) helps vitamin D.
     

  • Supplementation when needed: Under doctor guidance, provide vitamin A doses, iron/folic acid, vitamin D etc., especially in high-risk children.
     

  • Hygiene & health care: Prevent worm infections, diarrhoea etc. which can drain nutrients. Ensure vaccinations.
     

  • Education & awareness: Teach families importance of nutrition, balanced meals, what local foods can provide what nutrients.
     

 

What Parents Should Ask Healthcare Providers

  • Ask whether your child needs screening for deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin A, D, B12).
     

  • If lab tests are suggested, check whether it’s comprehensive or narrow, cost, and follow-up.
     

  • Seek help for dietary planning, perhaps from nutritionists or public health bodies.
     

  • Learn about local government/NGO programs—free or subsidized supplementation or fortified food programs.
     

 

When to Seek Medical Help

If your child has:

  • Persistent anaemia symptoms (very pale, lethargic)
     

  • Growth issues (falling off growth charts)
     

  • Bone deformities or pain
     

  • Severe or recurrent infections
     

  • Unusual signs like night blindness, goitre
     

Then get a medical evaluation. Early intervention can make a big difference.

 

Conclusion & Call to Action

Nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids are common—but many are preventable or treatable. By recognizing risks, ensuring good diet, doing appropriate lab tests, and using supplements or fortified foods when needed, children can grow healthier, smarter, and stronger.

If you’re concerned that your child may have one or more of these deficiencies, talk to a trusted pediatrician or nutritionist, and consider getting a comprehensive vitamin & nutrition profile done (for example through Thyrocare or SecondMedic) to know exactly where improvements are needed. Don’t wait—every child deserves a strong foundation.

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