WORLD HEART DAY: FOCUS ON PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY

                                                                                      - Milan K Sinha         

CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) is taking its toll  in our country in a big way. It is said that India has the infamous distinction of being the Heart Disease Capital of the world. Well known Cardiologist, Dr. Ajay Kr. Sinha, who was recently conferred the fellowship of European Society of Cardiology, says: 

"Heart diseases originate in human mind, seeds being negative thoughts like greed, jealousy, hatred, anger and depression due to frustration. When sown in genetically fertile soil, seeds grow into tree with ramification (disease), manure being tobacco, high blood pressure and high blood sugar in otherwise conducive atmosphere (obesity and physical inactivity).80% of cardiovascular disease are preventable and modifiable. He further says,"Heart disease is often avoidable. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't mean you need to live a life of self-deprivation. Instead, find ways to incorporate heart-healthy habits into your lifestyle — and you may well enjoy a healthier life for years to come."

Some interesting & revealing facts are enumerated below for your perusal:

How Big is the Problem 

• India is the home of 60% of world's heart  patients -- Highest in the world.
• Every year more than 30 lac people die of CVD in India.
• About 32.8% of deaths in the age bracket of 25 to 69 years occur in urban areas whereas it is about 23% in rural areas. 
• Indians are more susceptible than any other ethnic groups-- 3.4 times more than Americans,6 times more than Chinese, 20 times more than Japanese.
• Ironically, large number of young people are joining the fold of heart patients  in India.

What are the symptoms of Coronary artery disease?

• No symptoms for long period.
• Chest pain for short period on exertion also known as Angina or minor heart attack.
• Myocardial Infarction or major heart attack-Severe chest pain, death of heart muscle, heart failure, irregular heart beats. 
• Sudden Death.

Why Should Indians be Worried? 

• Indians are more prone to CAD than other ethnic group.
• Get the disease at much younger age -- 5-10 years earlier than other communities.
• Disease follows more severe and malignant course -- 3 times higher rate of second heart attack and two times higher mortality than whites.

Why Me ?

• Poor handling of fats and metabolic syndrome -Diabetes, obesity, high BP, Coronary artery disease.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Environmental insults -  i.Urbanization & ii. Sudden change in lifestyle.

Preventing Heart Disease 

a) Look before your eat

• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day. (5 servings - they are naturally low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals and anti oxidants). Eat colored vegetables and fruits.
• Eat a variety of grain products. 
• Choose nonfat or low-fat products.
• Use less fat meats- chicken, fish and lean cuts. 
• Switch to fat-free milk—toned/skimmed milk.

b)  Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

• Maintain a level of physical activity that keeps you fit & matches the  calories you eat. 
• Serves several functions in preventing and treating those at high risk.
• Reduces incidence of obesity.
• Lowers total cholesterol.
• Helps control diabetes and hypertension
• Mortality is halved in retired men who walk more than two miles every day.

       Today is WORLD HEART DAY. So, its an occasion to pause & ponder over this serious issue to keep our Heart Healthy. And lastly, please enjoy what Nelson Mandela says: A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. 
            Shall await your comments on the subject. 

                                       will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

*I shall continue to be on the subject in my next posts.