A change of heart

Can one actually die of fright?


DESIGN BY MARYAM RASHID

Have you ever heard of the saying ‘scared to death?’ We often use is to emphasise the impact an incident might have had on us but have you ever wondered if it can be true? Can one actually die of fright?

According to experts at online science portal asapSCIENCE, it is indeed possible to get scared to death as sometimes, extreme stress can perpetrate fatal damage on the heart. Scientifically speaking, when we get frightened, our body releases a surge of adrenaline. This adrenaline rush expedites our heart rate and a physiological reaction known as the fight or flight response builds up. When the scare is particularly strong or the heart is relatively weak, the latter tends to get overwhelmed and, therefore, unable to keep up with the increase in heart rate. This, in return, can cause the heart to stop entirely.

Fortunately, it is very rare for a human to react so strongly. Not to mention, the condition can be avoided through a healthy heart. And because a healthy heart goes a long way, it’s time we started aiming for one. The following changes can bring you closer to a sound lifestyle and healthy heart:

Ditch the salt



One of the leading ingredients of heart problems is the excessive salt. Keep your meals heart-friendly by reducing the amount you add as this will keep your blood pressure at bay, ultimately leading to a happy heart. Also, it is advisable to be vary of the high salt content in processed foods. Any edible item is considered rich in salt if it has more than 1.5g of salt (or 0.6g sodium) per 100g.

Get active



Stop being lazy and start doing things for yourself! Even if it is taking your dog out for a stroll or walking to the kitchen to get water, don’t rely on someone else to do it for you. Become independent for the small things first and get yourself into the habit of moving around.

Manage your weight



Shedding extra pounds has always been on top of our to-do-lists but we don’t always get round to it. However, it’s time you get serious about losing that extra chub. Manage your weight properly and you’ll be on your way to a healthy heart and body image. But don’t forget that it is not about becoming skinny. Maintaining a strong and sturdy body is equally important.

Get five a day



An apple a day might keep the doctor away but for a healthy heart, at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day are a must! You can also add dried fruits to your breakfast cereal or vegetables to your pasta sauces and curries.

Walk to reduce stress



If you are feeling stressed and anxious, take yourself out for a walk. Relaxed walks, for even as short as 15 minutes, can help alleviate stress and make you feel lighter, healthier and happier. 

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, May 24th, 2015.

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