The World Heart Federation (WHF) has launching a global petition, urging all countries to have a ‘National Cardiovascular Action Plan’ to tackle heart disease, the world’s number one killer. Improving cardiovascular health requires strategies that are tailored to the national, regional, and local context, and must take the socioeconomic environment and healthcare system into account, they argue. Marking this year’s World Heart Day with the petition launch, the WHF hopes the call to action will inspire a more robust and coordinated response to cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is responsible for more than 20.5 million deaths every year. As many as 80 per cent of these deaths from heart attacks and strokes are preventable, but early findings by WHF show that as few as 7% of countries have standalone plans or strategies to tackle CVD. In contrast, 87% of countries have already developed National Cancer Action Plans, demonstrating the progress that must be made to improve cardiovascular health. So far, most of the countries with a standalone National CVD Action Plan or Strategy in place are based in Europe and the Western Pacific Region. The staggering number of deaths from heart disease combined with scarce plans to tackle the disease, highlights the urgent need for the remaining countries to develop tailored strategies to address cardiovascular disease. For over two decades, WHF has been leading the World Heart Day movement, which is celebrated every year on 29 September – raising awareness about CVD, calling for better healthcare policies and more funding for heart heath research. This World Heart Day, WHF aims to secure over a million signatures to send a strong message and urge elected leaders to make a bold political declaration at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases in 2025. Jean-Luc Eiselé, Chief Executive of World Heart Federation said: “Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined yet efforts to combat CVD at a national level fall short almost everywhere in the world. We have the knowledge and tools to improve cardiovascular health outcomes and give everyone access to appropriate care. “A National Cardiovascular Action Plan acts as a strategic tool to reduce premature deaths from heart disease and stroke, while also cutting healthcare costs and losses due to low productivity—in turn, saving hundreds of billions of dollars annually worldwide. “This World Heart Day, we encourage people all over the world to sign our petition and send a powerful message to all political leaders that an action plan is necessary to improve heart health and prevent premature deaths caused by CVD. Nations need to develop tailored plans to protect communities from the world’s biggest killer.”
29 September,2024 08:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile the cause of lung diseases like lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has long been linked with smoking, an alarming increase in cases has been observed even amongst non-smokers, majorly due to passive smoking and air pollution, said experts on Wednesday. World Lung Day is observed every year on September 25 to raise awareness about lung health and promote better lung care around the world. Smoking is a major cause of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly improve lung health and reduce the risk of developing these diseases. However, a significant increase in respiratory cases has been observed even amongst non-smokers, said experts. “These are mostly traced to an increased exposure to second-hand smoke and increased air pollution, which are significant risk factors for lung disease. Microscopic pollutants have been found to penetrate the lungs and cause cell damage and inflammation within them, which over time, can induce cancerous mutations,” Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant - Interventional Pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS. “Such chronic exposure to polluted air not only harms lung tissue but slowly weakens the immune defense of the body. Even for those who have never smoked, passive smoking poses a serious threat. Breathing in smoke from the environment from someone smoking nearby or lingering smoke indoors can be just as harmful,” the expert added. The residual toxins even from third-hand smoke that settle on surfaces also put individuals, especially children and pets, at risk of health problems. The World Health Organization notes that 99 per cent of the world's population breathes unhealthy air. Climate change is a major driver of air pollution, which can impact lung health. Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Other risk factors for lung problems in non-smokers include childhood respiratory infections that may prevail in adulthood also, Dr Kuldeep Kumar Grover, head of Critical Care and Pulmonology - CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said. “Repeated childhood infections may lead to bronchiectasis in lungs, and cystic problems can also destroy lungs,” the expert said Lung problems such as Respiratory infections, COPD, asthma, and TB infections are the most common among non-smokers, majorly due to low immunity levels, Grover said. According to Kumar, people in occupations like mining or construction are even more susceptible as they are continuously exposed to carcinogens, dust, and smoke, which disrupts their health. Lifestyle conditions like obesity, or engaging in minimal physical activity also predispose people to diseases by decreasing lung function. “While smoking remains a well-known risk factor, much more is required to protect our lungs than avoiding cigarettes. We need cleaner air, smoke-free spaces, and a better understanding of the various hidden dangers we're exposed to every day,” Kumar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 03:11 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAdequately spaced pregnancies can boost maternal and child health outcomes. This will lead to better maternal and child health, reduced unintended or unplanned pregnancies, and greater economic stability for families. “India's young population, with over 65 per cent under 35, requires urgent investment in contraceptive choices, especially spacing methods,” Poonam Muttreja, executive director of Population Foundation of India, said. According to NFHS 5 (2019-21), 4 per cent of India's unmet contraceptive need is for spacing methods. “Expanding access to these options will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance economic productivity by allowing women to better participate in the workforce,” Muttreja said. She called on improving the quality of care in family planning and reproductive health services. “Policies must prioritise delivering respectful, high-quality care, as women who feel valued and respected are more likely to use contraception effectively and adopt healthier family planning practices,” Muttreja said. In 2023, India integrated two new Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods into its public health system: the subdermal implant and the subcutaneous Antara injection. However, it comes after a 30-year delay, during which Indian women were deprived of crucial contraceptive options. At the same time it was adopted by many countries around the world, including our neighbouring countries, such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Muttreja said. The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel recently stated that the acceptance of modern contraceptives in India has increased to over 56 per cent. The country’s National Family Planning Programme currently offers a variety of reversible modern contraceptives encompassing condoms, intrauterine contraceptive devices, oral pills, injectable contraceptives, etc. Although contraception is an empowering tool, it is crucial to balance planning with the realities of reproductive health, Dr. Neha Khandelwal, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, told IANS. “While contraception is used by many couples to avoid unplanned pregnancies and to adequately space your pregnancies, they must not forget that the biological clock of a woman doesn’t wait for the ‘perfect time’ to conceive,” Khandelwal said. She noted that “fertility declines after 30 and declines rapidly after 35 years of age. Timely planning a pregnancy will help escape infertility issues”. The doctor also advised couples to have open conversations not only about when they feel emotionally ready but also about the potential biological challenges that can come with waiting too long. Meanwhile, Muttreja also urged for active male involvement in family planning programmes. “By engaging men as equal partners in family planning, we may unlock a critical pathway to driving meaningful change in the country,” the public health expert said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 03:10 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSExposure to dust mites in children can trigger severe allergic reactions, leading to conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis, warned an expert on Saturday. Dust mites -- microscopic creatures found in household dust -- are a leading cause of allergies worldwide. These are so tiny, slightly bigger than human hair diameter, to be visible to the unassisted eye. In India, high humidity levels increase their growth and also a rapid surge in clinical manifestations, Dr Neeraj Gupta, senior allergy specialist from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said. Asthma affects around 35 million people in India, with an estimated 2.4 per cent of adults and 4-20 per cent of children affected. Nearly 22 per cent of adolescents currently suffer from allergic rhinitis in India. Gupta explained that the hallmark signs of dust mite allergies include sneezing, which is frequent and severe, often accompanied by a runny or stuffy nose; persistent blockage of the nasal passages, leading to difficulty in breathing, particularly at night; a chronic dry cough that is more pronounced in the early mornings and at night; intermittent episodes of breathlessness, especially during physical activity, coupled with a wheezing sound while breathing. The allergens from dust mites, particularly their droppings and decomposed body parts, can trigger inflammation in the nasal passages and airways, leading to these symptoms, the expert said. While immunotherapy is effective, reducing exposure to dust mites is crucial in managing symptoms. Some recommended measures include the use of allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets; regular washing of bed linens in hot water; minimising the use of carpets and upholstered furniture at home as these can harbour dust mites; using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters; keeping indoor humidity levels below 50 per cent; adequate sunlight and cross ventilation. “By understanding the symptoms and signs, utilising appropriate diagnostic tools, and implementing targeted treatments like immunotherapy, along with preventive measures, it is possible to manage and even alleviate the burden of these allergies,” Gupta said. He also advised timely medical help for substantial improvement in quality of life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 02:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSHeart attacks and strokes are a global health challenge, accounting for 3.9 million deaths annually, in the Southeast Asia Region, including India, said the World Health Organization on Saturday, ahead of World Heart Day. World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases (CVD), accelerating actions to prevent, detect early, and manage heart health. The theme this year is ‘Use Heart for Action’ “Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global health challenge responsible for over 18 million deaths each year,” said Saima Wazed, WHO regional director for South-East Asia. “The burden is particularly heavy in the WHO South-East Asia Region, where CVDs account for 3.9 million deaths annually, primarily due to heart attacks and strokes. This represents 30 per cent of all deaths in the region, with nearly half of these occurring prematurely, before the age of 70 years,” she added. The heart plays a crucial role in pumping blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste. When its function is compromised, the body’s performance declines, leading to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Wazed attributed the high burden of CVDs to “modifiable lifestyle practices such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, particularly those high in salt, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption”. In addition, drug treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and high lipids are necessary to reduce acute events of CVDs, she said. Further, in the South-East Asia Region, “one in four adults has raised blood pressure, and one in 10 has diabetes. Alarmingly, less than 15 per cent of people living with hypertension and diabetes are on effective treatment,” Wazed said. Dr. S Venkatesh, Lead Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, said heart health is fundamental to living a long and fulfilling life. “Recognising early warning signs, like chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats, is also a key focus, as these symptoms can lead to prompt medical intervention, potentially saving lives,” he added. The experts called for increasing awareness and adopting heart-healthy habits. A healthy heart not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also boosts energy levels and overall quality of life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 01:39 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSHeart disease is one of the most concerning health issues plaguing the modern world. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart health, highlighting risk factors and holistic solutions. While tobacco and alcohol use, junk food and lack of exercise are commonly recognised risk factors of this health concern, other overlooked lifestyle habits like sitting for prolonged periods and inadequate hydration are also secretly damaging your heart. Dr. Talha Meeran, Consultant, Advanced Cardiac Sciences and Heart Transplant, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, highlights, “In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the subtle habits that can silently undermine our heart health.” Processed foods One of these habits is the excessive consumption of processed foods without realising the hidden sugars and other additives they contain. “Many people believe they’re eating healthy simply by avoiding junk food. However, processed foods often hide high levels of sugars and unhealthy trans-fats that contribute to inflammation and high cholesterol,” explains Dr. Meeran. He adds, “Label reading is essential, yet many of us skip this crucial step, unknowingly consuming meals laden with harmful additives.” Dr Vivek Mahajan, Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, backs this, explaining, “Packaged foods consisting of excessive sugar, fat and sodium cause heart damage or severe heart conditions due to the fact that these ingredients gradually increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.” Hydration missteps Along with right eating habits, proper hydration is also essential for maintaining heart health. Dr. Meeran informs, “Dehydration is a common but overlooked issue when it comes to heart health. Water is essential for maintaining cardiovascular function. Proper hydration supports circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.” Prolonged sitting In today’s work and sedentary entertainment-driven world, characterised by spending significant time in front of screens, sitting for a prolonged period of time has become a serious health issue. Not only does it put people at risk of obesity, but also harms heart health. Dr. Mahajan reveals, “Long periods of sitting have been linked with increased risk of heart disease. Increased screen time and a sedentary lifestyle that result in weight gain further increase these risks.” How to prevent this? Dr. Meeran suggests, “Small changes, like standing during phone calls or taking brief walking breaks, can make a significant difference.” Neglecting mental health The discourse around mental health concerns has steadily been rising, however, it is still an overlooked aspect of health. Neglecting emotional and mental well-being can have an impact on physical health as well. “Stress, anxiety, continuous multi-tasking and sleep deprivation overload the heart, which leads to rise in blood pressure and brings a person closer to the risk of heart disease. The problem can become worse as most people seek comfort foods or take alcohol as a remedy for their stress,” elaborates Dr. Mahajan. Stressing on the importance of adequate physical and emotional rest, Dr. Meeran says, “In our culture of productivity, sleep is often sacrificed. Poor sleep patterns can elevate blood pressure and contribute to obesity. Prioritising adequate rest is not just a personal luxury but a vital component of heart health.” Also Read: Is your sleep being sabotaged? Here’s why a digital detox is crucial “Integrating stress management techniques such as yoga and regular social interaction is also crucial for holistic heart health,” he concludes.
29 September,2024 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainIn an extremely rare case, doctors here saved a newborn with a rare and life-threatening defect in oesophagus and trachea. The baby, diagnosed with oesophageal atresia and a tracheoesophageal fistula, soon after birth was brought to HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka. Oesophageal Atresia (EA) is a rare and serious congenital condition that affects the development of oesophagus in newborns and turns the early days of life into a critical fight for survival. In some cases, this condition is accompanied by a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), which is an abnormal connection between the oesophagus and the trachea (windpipe). This connection can cause severe complications, as it allows gastric liquids to pass into the lungs, leading to respiratory distress, infections, and other serious issues, said the doctors. “The prevalence of EA with TEF is estimated to be between 1 in 5,000 and 1 in 10,000 live births worldwide, with a slightly higher occurrence in Europe,” paediatric surgeon Dr. ThichenKalden Lama, HOD - Paediatric Surgery, said. The team of doctors treated the baby with right thoracotomy and TEF ligation, followed by an oesophago-oesophageal anastomosis -- a complex surgical procedure to connect the upper and lower segments of the oesophagus. The baby was kept on intravenous fluids, supportive measures, antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) while being closely monitored. The baby showed some progress on the seventh day of life. Gradually, oral feeds were introduced. Despite challenges such as breathing difficulties and severe gastroesophageal reflux, the team employed a combination of medications, careful feeding techniques, and supportive therapies to manage the condition. “The baby showed remarkable recovery and after days of close monitoring and care, full oral feeds were successfully established and the baby was discharged with weight gain and parental education,” Lama said. Lama explained that the condition can be observed shortly after birth, in infants who cannot swallow their saliva, exhibit excessive drooling, or have difficulty breathing. “The presence of polyhydramnios -- an excess of amniotic fluid during pregnancy -- can also be an indicator, as the baby’s inability to swallow amniotic fluid leads to its accumulation,” the doctor said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 12:34 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSHigh cholesterol and microplastics are emerging as extremely dangerous risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack and stroke, said experts on Saturday. While cholesterol has traditionally been linked to an older population, recent years have shown a marked increase in cholesterol among youngsters. This silent health concern often goes unnoticed, as high cholesterol typically does not show clear symptoms until serious damage has been done. Dr. Preeti Gupta, professor of Cardiology at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi said that early screenings, and keeping cholesterol and LDL-C levels (bad cholesterol) in check, can make a big difference. Regular lipid profile testing and staying on top of your health can help catch any warning signs before they become serious problems. “Elevated LDL-C levels are a significant contributor to coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Monitoring and managing these levels through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary, are key to preventing heart disease,” Gupta said. “For people with comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, the lipid profile becomes even more crucial, as they are at higher risk of developing heart issues,” she added. According to recent guidelines from the Cardiological Society of India, LDL-C levels should be monitored regularly to ensure they stay within optimal ranges, particularly in high-risk individuals. The lipid profile is one of the most important tests for assessing cardiovascular risk, as it provides a detailed view of cholesterol levels, including LDL-C (bad cholesterol), HDL-C (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Gupta recommended “starting the test at age 18 and to repeat every 4-6 years unless risk factors suggest more frequent testing”. Dr Vidya Suratkal, cardiologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, said that "high cholesterol levels in youngsters aged 19-24 can cause a 50 per cent spike in heart disease risk during middle age (35-50)". "About 7 out of 10 youngsters visiting me are having high cholesterol levels," he added. The experts cited obesity, smoking, family history, genetics, thyroid problems, unhealthy diet, high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyles, and alcohol as the major risk factors for elevated cholesterol levels, which are putting the young hearts in danger. Dr Sandeep Banerjee, Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostic Mumbai advised the youth “to do the lipid profile test every 8-9 months as recommended by the doctor and adhere to a well-balanced lifestyle that includes eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and sleeping well”. Meanwhile, the experts noted that microplastics in the bloodstream are also emerging as a hidden link to cardiovascular disorders. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in size and are ubiquitously found in the environment and have infiltrated every part of human lives. From oceans and soils to the food people eat and the water they drink, they have permeated the very core of the ecosystem. Recent research reveals a concerning link between microplastics and human health, especially regarding their impact on the bloodstream, heart disease, and even neurological disorders. "Once microplastics enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an immune response, leading to persistent inflammation. This chronic inflammation has the potential to disrupt normal bodily functions, and over time, is strongly associated with a range of serious health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders,” Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director & chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital, said. The long-term impact of microplastic exposure is becoming a critical concern for public health. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 12:23 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSLeptospirosis is an extremely rare bacterial disease that spreads to humans via the urine of infected animals like dogs, and rats, said an expert, after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was diagnosed with the condition. Dr M Wali, senior consultant, Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said leptospirosis derived its name from leptospira -- spiral bacteria (spirochaete) from the family of Leptospiraceae. “It is a spiral bacteria, like a spring, and this is usually a disease of animals like dogs, mostly rats and some farm animals, in pigs and also in zebra, horses,” Wali said. The doctor explained that this spreads via contamination or through direct contact with loosely available food items or water infected with rat urine. “In very rare cases, it can also spread via unprotected sexual intercourse, especially by anal sex,” Wali said. The disease causes “very high temperature, headache, muscular pains, muscular pains, vomiting, diarrhoea,” It also has eye involvement, sometimes with yellow patches or brown patches, depending upon the complexion, and pain in the abdomen. How serious is the disease? Wali said that leptospirosis is usually self-limiting, and can resolve within two weeks with antibiotics. “But if the infection is severe, then it can spread to the kidney, can go to the brain, spinal cord, liver.” While the liver is mainly involved, in rare cases it can spread to the lungs. Importantly, the expert noted that the disease is difficult to diagnose and can thus remain in the body for some months. “Patients can go from one doctor to another doctor, as the fever may not be treated because it is not diagnosed”. The doctor may suspect and conduct a simple PCR test to diagnose the disease. It can be well contained by antibiotic doxycycline, said Wali. The disease can turn fatal if it enters the brain,” Wali said while noting that it “does not spread from human to human, only by contamination”. “People must not consume loosely available food items from Kirana stores, only packaged and properly sealed food. Rat-infested loosely available groceries must be avoided,” Wali advised. Leptospirosis is endemic to India due to a tropical climate that complements the transmission of infection. Scientists believe that the first disease outbreak in the 1920s came from the Andaman Islands. It is one of the most widespread yet neglected zoonoses, with most reports from South America, the Caribbean, and South Asia. In India, it is endemic to coastal states like Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite causing significant mortality in India, the disease remained highly under-reported, majorly because of its endemic nature, lack of diagnostic modules, and lack of awareness among the treating clinicians. There is also a paucity of literature available on the burden of the disease. To tackle the information gap, the government I. 2015 launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis (NPPCL) in the endemic states. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 12:03 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSWhile males are generally more susceptible to heart disease than females, heart issues are now becoming increasingly common among young and premenopausal women in the country, health experts said on Sunday. World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to raise awareness about the leading cause of death in India. The theme this year is ‘Use Heart for Action’. According to the ‘Global Burden of Disease Study’, heart disease is a leading cause of fatality among Indian women, accounting for over 17 per cent of deaths. “Women are generally protected till menopause. However, we are oftentimes nowadays, finding a lot of young women who are premenopausal, having heart attack, heart disease and various other heart problems,” Dr S Ramakrishnan, professor in the cardiology department at AIIMS-New Delhi, said. The increased risk is driven by high prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also a significant concern among women, increasing the risk of heart disease. PCOS is a highly prevalent health condition seen in women nowadays. It is characterised by weight gain, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes to diabetic conditions, excess of androgens. According to Dr Arati Adhe Rojekar, consultant gynaecology at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, said that PCOS has a major impact on blood vessels and also on the heart. “Obesity itself contributes to cardiac conditions by elevating bad cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the body. Insulin resistance and excess androgens too elevate the cardiac risks,” she added. A recent study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, showed up to 51 per cent increased risk for CVD in women. Dr. Sarita Rao, senior interventional cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, said women with PCOS, close to one in five in India, might suffer from metabolic syndrome (MeTS), a group of conditions like diabetes, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance, that could impact cardiovascular health. The experts called for routine heart health checks to enable early diagnosis. Women with PCOS should ensure they remain physically active and maintain a healthy diet so that they do not develop other lifestyle diseases, the experts said. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the prevalence of coronary artery diseases in women range from three to 13 per cent. The study also states that the disease has increased by over 300 per cent in the past 20 years. Air pollution is another significant contributor to rising heart diseases. According to Dr Ramakrishnan, there are good studies that have documented more chances of heart attacks when the pollution levels are very high. “Air pollution is emerging like smoking as one of the highest risk factors,” he added, suggesting people to start moderate aerobic exercises at least five days a week. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
29 September,2024 11:57 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSGiven the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular issues across the country, individuals must undergo annual cardiac screenings. Heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrests are causing higher morbidity and mortality rates, cardiac screening helps to identify potential heart conditions early and enhance overall well-being. Every year, World Heart Day is observed on September 28 around the globe with the aim to raise awareness about heart disease. This year the theme is 'Heart for Action', which urges people to take important actions to keep their heart healthy and promote general well-being. To do this, experts advise focussing on your heart health by scheduling essential tests such as blood work, electrocardiograms (ECG), stress tests, and echocardiograms to promote better cardiovascular health. Heart problems are increasingly becoming a major concern not only in elders but also in the younger generation. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and increased levels of stress can significantly contribute to worsening heart health. Various factors such as stress, lack of exercise, and poor eating habits, can raise one’s chances of heart problems such as heart attack, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. Moreover, unmanaged blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are also causing cardiac problems in people of all age groups. Hence, once with a family history of heart disease, over the age of 25, athletes, and certain medical conditions like thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and kidney diseases should go for cardiac screening regularly.Regular cardiac screening every year will help to detect heart health issues in its early stage, allowing for timely intervention. With the help of cardiac screening, you may identify your risk factors and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to mitigate your risk while keeping your heart healthy. Dr Abhik Banerjee, zonal technical chief East & Pathologist, Apollo Diagnostic, Kolkata, explains, “Cardiac screening is a preventive measure to protect your heart from several life-threatening diseases heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, angina, stroke, heart valve diseases, and arrhythmia. A variety of tests are done to effectively asses an individual’s heart health including blood tests to measure your blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and the functioning of your kidneys. This can help detect any abnormalities as these factors can heighten your risk of experiencing a cardiovascular disease. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can help monitor the electrical activity of the heart to detect any irregularities in the heartbeats or any other potential issues. Cardiac screening also includes a stress test, where an individual is asked to walk or run on a treadmill while their heart is being examined. This helps determine how well your heart can handle physical exertion and if you have any underlying heart conditions that may become problematic during exercise." Dr Banerjee adds, “Test like an echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of your heart’s structure and functions. By looking at these images, doctors can see how well your heart is working and check the heart’s size and shape while looking for any deformities like valve problems or thickening of the heart muscles. Apart from cardiac screening, CT scan or MRI measure the degree of damage to the heart and the surrounding blood vessels, angiogram helps to check blockages in the heart. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring can help to avoid heart attacks. Moreover, one should also take a lipid profile test to manage high cholesterol levels and prevent heart problems. Cardiac markers like TROP T (Troponin T), TROP I (Troponin I), and CK MB ( Creatine Kinase MB )are a type of substances that are released into the bloodstream when the heart is stressed or about to get damaged. They are effectively used by doctors to timely diagnose and manage conditions like Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute myocardial infarction (MI) also known as heart attack. In a month, around 15-20 people in the age group 25-55 come for cardiac screening as they are having symptoms such as chest pain and increased heartbeats. However, there is still a lack of awareness regarding cardiac screening.” Individuals are advised to take proactive steps to safeguard their cardiovascular health to mitigate the risk of cardiac diseases. “Focus on eating well-balanced and healthy meals that contain essential nutrients for the betterment of your health. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep. Lifestyle modifications like exercising for more than 45 minutes, limiting your alcohol consumption, managing stress levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular checkups and follow-ups are crucial for heart health,” concludes Dr Banerjee.
29 September,2024 11:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
