Tips for Heart Patients on Holi

With Holi round the corner, heart patients may not pay heed to the risks of indulging in playful pranks. Although there are no reports of increased risk of heart ailments during the festival, it would be advisable for heart patients to bear in mind certain precautions and tips for ensuring that Holi, the festival of colours does not lead to a colourless life after it is over.

Laugh

This is something the heart patients can do with. You do not need to be convinced with researches to believe that laughing is good for you, but a recent study has shown that laughing during mealtime helps to prevent the surge in your blood sugar. So, enjoy Holi with plenty of laughs but do make sure that your sensitive heart is not under undue strain.

Watch the food

Revelling in Bhang during Holi is certainly one of the most enjoyable things to do. But not for the heart patients! It is known to increase the heart rate, blood pressure and even lead to psychosis. Apart from enjoying the colours, you would be well advised to look for colourful vegetables too. The darker coloured a vegetable is the more heart-protective antioxidants it contains.

Festivals such as Holi are the time when people increase the intake of salt and fat. People who have had a heart attack need to be particularly wary of increasing their salt consumption. This is because the slight increase in salt intake can lead to big problems. You can try the low salt, low fat and low sugar version of all the sweets and salty dishes. Do not let the festive season become an excuse for indulging in unhealthy snacks.

Do not overexert when playing with colours

If you have a heart condition and you have been advised against overexertion, it would not be wise to start playing colours normally with everyone. Keep your excitement at bay and do not participate in the grand Holi themes of throwing people in ponds, and neither should you run a lot to escape from the colour. Just allow people to splash or smear you with paint and you can do the same without running after anyone. You do need to keep a certain level of physical activity for maintaining your heart health, but never forget your level and do not cross it.

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