Heart disease is often linked to high cholesterol, obesity, or lack of exercise. However, there is mounting evidence that suggests that mental health plays a crucial role in cardiovascular well-being. Stress, anxiety, and depression can silently strain the heart, increasing the risk of serious complications.

A recent study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, showed that loneliness has a significant impact on proteins present in a person's blood. For the study, researchers used data from more than 42,000 participants to explore whether the 9.3% who reported social isolation and 6.4% who reported loneliness had different levels of proteins in their blood compared with those who did not. The researchers then studied data that tracked the health of participants over an average 14-year period.

"We found around 90% of these proteins are linked to the risk of mortality," Dr Chun Shen, Fudan University in China, who is also the lead researcher said. "In addition, about 50% of the proteins were linked to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke," he added.

Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, senior consultant at Sharda Hospital, said that subtle symptoms of heart disease, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the lower legs, dizziness, and jaw pain, are often overlooked or attributed to stress and ageing. "Women, in particular, may experience atypical signs like extreme fatigue, indigestion, or upper abdominal pain instead of classic chest pain, leading to delayed diagnosis," he added.

Can Mental Health Issues Trigger Heart Diseases?

Chronic stress can trigger harmful cardiovascular effects, including elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and inflammation—key contributors to heart disease. Anxiety and depression further impact heart health by disrupting sleep patterns, raising stress hormone levels, and encouraging unhealthy habits like poor diet and inactivity.

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety have a profound impact on the heart. They don’t just affect emotions but can increase inflammation and put extra strain on the cardiovascular system, warns Dr Srivastav.

Certain risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, disproportionately affect women, making them more vulnerable to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, due to gender-specific symptom variations, heart disease in women often goes undiagnosed for longer.

Obesity is more prevalent in women than men and is a major risk factor for heart failure. Diabetes, too, has a greater impact on women’s heart health, yet diagnosis and treatment delays are common. Addressing this gap requires increasing awareness, training healthcare providers, and promoting early diagnostic tools,” explains Dr Srivastav.

How Can You Protect Your Heart?

A simple yet effective way to support heart health is by committing to a brisk 30-minute walk daily. Walking not only helps regulate blood pressure and manage weight but also improves circulation and reduces stress.

"Regular physical activity, paired with a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, significantly lowers cardiovascular risks," advises Dr Srivastav.

Heart disease can often go undetected until a major event occurs, making routine screenings essential.

- For women: Begin screenings around age 30 and continue with regular checkups.

- For men: Start screenings at age 35.

Health screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and electrocardiograms (ECGs), are critical for early detection of silent heart conditions.

As Bangladesh grapples with a surge in highly infectious measles cases, neighboring Indian states Meghalaya and Tripura are strengthening preventive measures by ramping up vaccination drives and intensifying surveillance, particularly in border districts, to curb any potential spillover and contain the spread of the disease.

As per media reports, Bangladesh is reporting more than 1,100 suspected infections in a single day. The vaccine-preventable measles has also claimed the lives of 98 children in the country’s one of the worst outbreaks.

Measles: Response In Meghalaya

To strengthen early detection and response in Indo-Bangla border areas, the Meghalaya government conducted an orientation-cum-preparedness meeting last week at the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Office with district administration and health department officials, the Border Security Force, community leaders, and grassroots workers, including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers.

Dr A Khonglah, sub-divisional medical and health officer, Amlarem, informed of a few suspected cases in the state, The Times Of India reported. Khonglah noted there was “no cause for panic”, but stressed that early reporting was critical for timely testing and treatment.

In a notification issued on Monday, Meghalaya’s state health department called for stepping up surveillance in East Khasi Hills District.

“Immediate corrective measures are required in response to ongoing measles outbreaks in Bangladesh and the heightened risk in border districts and blocks. It is imperative to strengthen surveillance, early detection, reporting, and response mechanisms across all sectors in East Khasi Hills District,” the notification said.

The state health department directives include:

• All fever with rash cases (suspected measles) in any age group should be reported immediately to the nearest health facility/ANM/medical officer.
• Ensure close coordination with the health department and World Health Organization (WHO) for timely investigation and response.
• Any child suspected of measles should be strictly restricted from attending school/AWC until complete recovery.
• The measles-suspected child should remain isolated at home with minimal contact to prevent further transmission.
• Sensitize teachers and Anganwadi Workers to identify symptoms of fever with rash.

Tripura: Closely Monitoring Measles Trends

Similarly, Health officials in Tripura are also assessing the prevailing measles and rubella situation, with a focus on vaccination coverage and containment measures.

The officials in a review meeting focused on evaluating infection trends, immunization progress, and the effectiveness of ongoing containment strategies, Northeast Today reported.

Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Saju Vaheed A on Sunday visited Unakoti district to assess the prevailing measles and rubella situation, with a focus on vaccination coverage and containment measures.

The director reviewed data on vaccination coverage and stressed the need for close monitoring of vulnerable areas.

Also read: Measles Again On The Rise Globally: Is India At Risk?

Measles: Sporadic Outbreaks In India

Since the beginning of the year, India is seeing sporadic outbreaks of measles. Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior reported three outbreaks, and Morena six.

Over January and February 2026, 41 children were diagnosed with measles in Tikari village in Madhya Pradesh.

However, swift action by health authorities with proactive frontline engagement and data-driven rapid response prevented an escalation into large measles outbreaks. These sporadic outbreaks also highlighted the critical importance of measles-rubella (MR) vaccination in protecting children and communities.

Measles in Bangladesh

As per official data, till April 19, Bangladesh recorded 3,443 confirmed measles cases and more than 23,600 suspected infections.

While over 12,000 patients have recovered, the outbreak has resulted in at least 36 confirmed deaths and 181 deaths among suspected cases, MNTV reported.

In response, Bangladesh has vaccinated more than 1.9 million children against measles and rubella in an emergency nationwide campaign.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the situation has begun to stabilize due to early intervention, adding that vaccine supplies remain sufficient to sustain the campaign through June.

What Is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through direct contact or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is a vaccine-preventable disease that can cause devastating complications, including blindness, pneumonia, encephalitis, and long-term immune dysfunction.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• high fever,
• cough,
• runny nose,
• red eyes,
• rashes across the body.

To safeguard against measles, individuals should ensure timely vaccination, especially for children.

Maintaining good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing, helps reduce transmission.

Avoiding close contact with infected individuals and ensuring proper nutrition to boost immunity are also important.

Public awareness and community health programs play a crucial role in prevention.

Weight loss drugs appeal to many for their convenience, but according to some experts, there are a number of noteworthy side effects. From rapid weight gain to sagging skin, several side effects of weight loss drugs have been identified through studies. Now, new research has found that weight loss drugs can cause more muscle loss than clinical expectations. The results, presented at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine (ACP-IM) meeting in San Francisco, add to existing evidence on the possible adverse effects of GLP-1.

Why does muscle loss occur during weight loss?

When a person loses a considerable amount of weight, they also lose bone mass, muscle mass, and some connective tissue. Experts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that no studies directly associate muscle loss with a decline in physical function or strength. However, this clinical gap underscores the need to assess strength and mobility alongside weight loss in patients receiving this therapy. The systematic review identified 36 randomised clinical trials that measured changes in muscle mass and fat among adults using incretin-based obesity medications such as tirzepatide, dulaglutide, or semaglutide.

Each study measured body composition using MRI, CT scans, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Most of them used DEXA along with other methods to obtain information about lean muscle mass, bone mineral density, and the distribution of body fat. The average age of participants ranged from 20 to 63.7 years. Only four studies included participants aged 60 years and above. None of the studies focused on adults aged 65 years or older.

Average muscle loss on weight loss drugs

Researchers noted a concerning trend: patients’ estimated muscle loss exceeded the 25 per cent threshold. Clinicians had expected a 25 per cent reduction, but not more than that. Experts also found that 68 per cent of people who used the drugs exceeded the 25 per cent benchmark, compared to 50 per cent of those who relied on placebos and lifestyle interventions. None of the studies measured whether the loss of muscle mass was correlated with function or strength loss.

Muscle mass diminishes with age

Despite being a concerning side effect of weight loss drugs, muscle mass is likely to diminish anyway with age. Additionally, the loss is more significant in older adults. Therefore, doctors advise caution when prescribing these drugs to individuals who are more prone to losing muscle function at an advanced age. Ideally, doctors should recommend exercise or physical therapy to patients taking weight loss medications.

The final word

According to experts, weight loss drugs do have a positive side — and that extends beyond obesity treatment. These drugs are also beneficial for diabetes and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it is important to support treatment with the right kind of diet and a proper exercise regimen. Solely depending on the medication can lead to weight gain once it is discontinued. Therefore, for healthy weight loss, it is best to rely on sustainable methods for long-lasting results.

Indian guru and founder of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru, offers a different perspective on life and mental health. In a 2025 talk, he spoke about weight loss. At a time when obesity, metabolic, and lifestyle disorders are at an all-time high, there is an urgent need to revisit and fix the way one eats. While many turn to diet fads and practise calorie or food group restrictions, Sadhguru recommends the contrary. The 68-year-old emphasises the importance of sustainable weight management through balanced choices, mindful eating and meals aligned with the body’s natural rhythm.

Sustainable approach to weight loss

Many people aim to lose weight to deal with body image issues or to prepare for a special upcoming occasion. However, according to Sadhguru, one must not try to force discipline through restriction, but instead allow the body to regulate itself efficiently while maintaining energy levels. If you are looking for foods to include in your diet for sustainable weight loss, here are some recommendations:

1. Plant-based diet: A plant-based diet is one of the most talked-about ways to lose weight sustainably. Nutritionists say that 30–40 per cent of the diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. These foods are comparatively easier to digest and do not put much pressure on the digestive system, as opposed to heavy, non-vegetarian meals. This should be combined with a proper workout routine, as without movement, weight gain is likely to occur.
2. Eat millets: Millets such as ragi, bajra and jowar digest slowly. They have a low glycaemic index and do not cause sudden blood sugar fluctuations. A sudden rise and fall in energy levels can trigger sluggishness over time. Millets, on the other hand, release energy slowly, thereby keeping you active for longer and reducing frequent hunger pangs. Over time, you can reduce portion sizes to lose weight.
3. Occasional cleansing: During the talk, Sadhguru also emphasised the importance of periodic cleansing. Simple yet effective, periodic cleansing involves drinking a detox beverage such as ash gourd juice with a small amount of honey for one or two days a month. This acts as a gentle reset for the digestive system and helps the body feel refreshed and lighter. Over time, this can curb cravings and make fasting easier.
4. Sustainable rules: For weight loss, it is advisable to follow sustainable rules that are not too strict to maintain in the long run. For instance, fasting for long durations without giving your body enough time to adapt can lead to metabolic disorders over time and excessive hunger pangs. It is important to prioritise balance, awareness and nourishment.
5. Energy-boosting snacks: When hunger pangs occur, it is important not to turn to unhealthy snacks such as crisps, biscuits or tea cakes. Instead, for sustained energy, healthier snacks are recommended. Some of the best options include peanuts, berries, nuts and seeds. These will help you feel full and may even aid metabolism.
6. Time your meals: Timing your meals is equally important, as it gives the digestive system enough time to function. Ideally, there should be an eight-hour gap between meals. People who find this difficult can aim for a five- to six-hour interval instead. Frequent meals can place too much load on the digestive system, while infrequent meals can cause metabolic disturbances. Therefore, striking a balance is essential.