on statistics Heart The disease and its incidence have always been worrying, yet the number of cases and deaths associated with the disease is increasing every year. Although many initiatives have been taken to reduce risk factors for cardiovascular health, many gaps still need to be filled. Whether it’s access to the right kind of information or availability of hospital care, heart health is being impacted heavily.
But world heart day, TOI Medithon Hosted eminent health experts who shared valuable insights on strategies to prevent heart diseases, tips to manage them, the worrying rise of heart disease in young people and how women are affected.
you can see video here,
First Session: “Strategies to Prevent Heart Disease: Know Your Numbers with Expert Insights, Amazing Heart, Amazing Life”
The essence of heart disease prevention strategies lies in reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. By adopting healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, individuals can improve cardiovascular function, lower cholesterol, and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Dr Balbir Singh, Chairman and Head, Pan Max Cardiology Max Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi, said, “We must understand that heart disease is a lifestyle disease and we must also know that it is preventable.” He emphasized on practicing yoga and meditation. Embracing the rich ancient Indian tradition. Physical activity, combined with mindfulness, is strongly linked to better quality of life and a good heart.
effect of stress cardiovascular health This is not unknown to us and Dr. Davinder Singh Chaddha, Senior Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, shares some valuable insights. Dr. Chadha said about the inseparable aspect of life these days, “Stress is an integral part of life.” “Always share your inner feelings because stress eventually alters the inner harmony and releases hormones that can rupture a blocked artery leading to a heart attack,” he advised and stressed the need for sleep.
Dr. Pramod Kumar Kuchalkanti, HOD Cardiology, and Director. Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad talks about the impact of obesity on heart health. “Obesity arises from diet, lack of exercise,” he stressed on the silent epidemic that is affecting almost every second person. He highlighted a trend that is going viral these days; He said that even when you go for advanced treatments like bariatric surgery to lose weight, it can still come back.
Second Session: “Managing Heart Disease: Amazing Hearts, Amazing Lives with Expert Insights”
Managing heart disease requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and regular medical care.
“Coronary artery disease is the number one killer,” says Dr. Vinod Vijain, owner and director. The doctor from Vision Hospital and Research Center Nashik said and added that to manage heart diseases, one needs to improve the lipid profile, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take medicines consistently.
A heart-healthy diet low in salt, saturated fat and refined sugars helps control cholesterol and blood pressure. Regular physical activity improves heart function and circulation. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake is essential to prevent further damage.
Following this, Dr. Vivekananda Gajapati, Chief Consultant Cardiologist, Department of Cardiology at SDM Narayana Heart Centre, Dharwad, Karnataka, spoke on the risk factors that impair heart health. Emphasizing on high blood pressure, Dr. Vivekananda said, “The traditional risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.” He said that high blood pressure at an early age worsens heart health. He recommends timely lipid profile assessment after the age of 20 years.
While both the experts talked about the management of cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors, Dr. Pramod Mundra, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director, spoke. Platina Heart Hospital, Nagpur touched upon an important aspect of the disease. He talked about the symptoms of heart attack. “Heaviness in the middle of the chest is a primary symptom,” he said, and advised not to panic and seek help as soon as possible.
Third Session: “Heart Disease and Youth: Amazing Hearts, Amazing Lives with Expert Insights”
Heart disease is increasingly affecting the youth due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking and stress. Unhealthy eating habits, highly processed foods and sugars contribute to obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, all risk factors for heart disease. Cardiovascular fitness decreases due to sedentary lifestyle, spending more time on screens.
Throwing more light on how stress is taking away young lives, Dr. Rajneesh Kapoor, President, Interventional Cardiology & Cardiac Care Management Medanta The Medi City, Gurgaon, spoke on work-related stress. “Symptoms of heart attack are appearing in younger people. “These days, the balance has been lost somewhere in everyone’s life,” he said. “The youth need to understand that there is a need for balance,” he said. He also criticized irregular lifestyle habits like eating fried food. Emphasis on consumption of foods, smoking, alcohol etc. Be ambitious, think about your development, but do not be overambitious,” he sent a message to the youth.
In the same line, Dr. Arun Chopra, Director. Cardiology Fortis Escorts Hospital Amritsar “If you want good health, you need to have the right approach. Adopt holistic changes, healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise, stress management and good sleep,” said Cardiology Fortis Escorts Hospital Amritsar.
Fourth Session: “Heart Disease in Women – Known and Unknown: Amazing Hearts, Amazing Lives with Expert Insights”
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in women, yet it is often underrecognized. Women may experience different symptoms than men, such as shortness of breath, nausea or back pain, which may delay diagnosis. Hormonal changes, especially after menopause, increase the risk of heart disease as estrogen levels drop, affecting heart and blood vessel health.
On the lack of awareness about heart diseases among women, Dr. Arun Gopi, Director. Cath Lab Head Department of Electrophysiology Metromed International Cardiac Center Calicut, Kerala said, “Heart disease was earlier considered a man’s disease. It is also the leading cause of mortality in women. Women should have correct information about the symptoms, Understanding the risk factors so they don’t get fooled.”
“One of the typical symptoms of a heart attack is angina. It gets worse on exertion and may be associated with nausea and other symptoms. The problem with women is that they don’t have the typical symptoms. So, the message is No matter what the intensity of the pain, if a woman complains of chest pain, take her to the doctor immediately, says Dr. Kunal Mahajan, Director and Chief Interventional Cardiologist, Himachal Heart Institute, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Asit said, “There is a lack of awareness among women and also a lack of self-importance. The tragedy is that in India, cases of heart attacks among women have increased by 300% in the last 2-3 decades.” Khanna, Chief Cardiologist and Cath Lab. Director Yashoda Super Specialty Hospital, Kaushambi.
