Nana Patekar's cardiac arrest puts heart health in focus: 6 habits to start today

The death of veteran actor Nana Patekar at the age of 75 following cardiac arrest has brought renewed attention to a health concern that often receives attention only after a medical emergency. Heart disease is not always accompanied by obvious warning signs. In some cases, an underlying cardiovascular condition may remain undetected until a serious event occurs. This makes regular health checks and everyday lifestyle choices important, even for people who feel healthy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies cardiovascular diseases as the world's leading cause of death. Its estimates show that these conditions caused around 19.8 million deaths worldwide in 2022. Many cardiovascular risks are linked to factors that can be managed, including high blood pressure, tobacco use, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Rather than waiting for January 1 to make ambitious health resolutions, people can start with small changes today.

Understand the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest


The terms heart attack and cardiac arrest are often used interchangeably, but they describe different medical emergencies.

A heart attack usually occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. A cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, often because of an electrical disturbance.

A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, but the two are not the same. Both require urgent medical attention.

Chest discomfort, breathlessness, pain spreading to the arms or jaw, cold sweats, nausea and light-headedness can be warning signs of a heart attack. Symptoms can vary, and some people may experience less typical signs. If a heart attack is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to settle.

Do not wait for symptoms to check your heart health

Feeling well does not always mean that blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels are under control. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can remain unnoticed for long periods. Over time, they can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A preventive health check can help identify these risks before complications develop. Ask a doctor which tests are appropriate for your age, medical history, family history and existing risk factors. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of premature heart disease or a history of smoking may need closer medical supervision.

Make walking part of your daily routine

Exercise does not have to begin with an expensive gym membership or a demanding fitness plan. Brisk walking, cycling and other forms of moderate physical activity can support cardiovascular health. The WHO recommends that adults aim for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

For someone starting from a largely inactive routine, shorter walks can be a practical first step. A 10-minute walk after a meal or during a work break can help establish consistency. The goal is to build a sustainable routine rather than attempt an intense workout for a few days and abandon it. People with existing heart conditions or symptoms during exercise should seek medical advice about safe activity levels.

Make small changes to your everyday diet and life

Heart-healthy eating does not require changing every meal overnight. Start by reducing excess salt and limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats. Add more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts and other nutritious foods to your regular meals.

Packaged snacks, fried foods and heavily salted meals can make it harder to maintain a balanced diet when consumed frequently. One manageable change is to replace a daily fried snack with fruit, unsalted nuts or roasted chana. Another is to compare food labels when buying packaged products.

Building healthier habits does not always require a dramatic lifestyle change. For many people, it starts with a regular morning routine, a short walk, balanced meals and enough sleep. “Ayurveda, too, places importance on dinacharya, or daily routines, as part of its traditional approach to wellbeing. The global INTERHEART study identified psychosocial stress as one of the major modifiable factors associated with heart attacks. Managing stress through regular sleep, daily exercise, meditation, pranayama and strong social connections should therefore be treated as an essential part of heart care—not as optional relaxation,” said Dr. Rohit Sane, Founder and MD of Madhavbaug, creators of Madhavprash.

Take smoking, stress and sleep seriously

Tobacco use is an important cardiovascular risk factor. Quitting smoking can improve health, and people who need help should speak to a healthcare professional about evidence-based support. Stress management and adequate sleep also deserve attention. A regular bedtime, time away from work and relaxation practices such as slow breathing may help people manage daily stress.

However, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques are not substitutes for medical treatment when high blood pressure or heart disease is present. Adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, although individual requirements can vary.

Do not postpone your health goals until January

New Year's resolutions often focus on dramatic changes. A more practical approach is to begin with a few achievable steps and build on them over time. This week, you could:

• Schedule a preventive health check if you are due for one.
• Walk regularly, working towards recommended activity levels.
• Reduce excess salt and replace one less nutritious snack.
• Set a consistent sleep schedule.
• Seek professional help to quit tobacco, if needed.
• Discuss your family history and cardiovascular risk factors with your doctor.

These steps cannot guarantee that a heart attack or cardiac arrest will never occur. They can, however, help people address important risk factors and make informed decisions about their health.

A heart-health reminder that should last beyond one news cycle

The news of Nana Patekar's death is a reminder of the importance of taking cardiovascular health seriously. But the response should go beyond a temporary burst of concern. Regular check-ups, appropriate treatment and sustainable lifestyle changes matter throughout the year, not just after a celebrity's death or at the start of a new one.

The best time to discuss your risk factors with a healthcare professional is before a medical emergency forces the conversation.

(Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for individual assessment, screening recommendations and treatment.)