Fast food, alcohol harmful for heart: Docs

New Delhi: On the eve of ‘World Heart Day’, health experts claimed that excessive consumption of alcohol is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) and unhealthy lifestyle is a major risk factor for the onset of CAD.

A study by senior director, interventional cardiology, Medanta Hospital, Dr Rajneesh Kapoor revealed that 92 per cent of heart attack patients were found to eat fast or fried food seven or more times a week whereas only eight percent ate fast food less than three times a week, providing a substantial link between high consumption of fast food and risk of developing severe heart disease.

Associate director of cardiac cath lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, Dr Manoj Kumar said, “Alcohol over consumption can put your heart at risk. Excess alcohol can directly damage the heart muscle and cause arrythmia. It is also a contributing factor for weight gain, high triglycerides and blood pressure, and strokes.” Dr Kumar advised that it is imperative to avoid binge drinking and keep one or more alcohol free days every week.

The symptoms of coronary artery disease may begin to show up only after a long time and by then, there could already be a significant blockage in your heart. Dr Kapoor’s study also revealed that 65 per cent people prefer eating fast food to match children’s food choice menu.

“The presence of a fast food joint in the vicinity was spotted as relevant factor linked with high consumption.”