Experts Suggest Ways to Balance Indulgence with Health during this Festive Season

News Desk, News Nation 360 : The Festive season, though so joyful and colourful in nature, can inadvertently cause concealed stress to the heart, particularly during occasions like World Heart Day that coincides with celebrations in 2025, focusing on protecting the heart amidst festivity. Excessive intake of heavy meals, sweets, salty foods, dehydration, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages may upset the body's equilibrium and overstrain the cardiovascular system with heightened risks of palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath, even in people with no history of heart disease. Noisy, crowded festivities combined with tiredness and lack of sleep elevate blood pressure and heart rate, more challenging for people who already have diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease. Early warning symptoms like tightness in the chest, dizziness, unexpected tiredness, or sudden shortness of breath are never to be taken lightly, as immediate treatment is essential. To party safely, cautious precautions involve a balanced diet with portion control, blending heavy and light foods, proper drinking of water, avoiding excessive eating, including exercise like walking to the party venues and taking stairs, and sufficient resting. For individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, consistent use of medicines, having prescription medications and emergency contacts readily available, and understanding when to call for medical assistance are essential. Most importantly, the celebratory spirit must encourage moderation, sensitivity, and balance so that happiness can last long after the party, as is the essence of prevention and preventive heart care emphasized in World Heart Day 2025 themed "Don't Miss a Beat" calling for regular screening, early detection, and lifestyle choices to fight the increase in cardiovascular disease in India and the world.