HYDERABAD:As World Heart Day (WHD) is being observed on September 29, cardiologists focus on creating a heart-healthy environments at home, work and public places.
World Heart Foundation statistics show that heart diseases and stroke are claiming 17.3 million lives a year all over the world. In spite of many advances in healthcare, unhealthy lifestyle and lack of awareness are responsible for the rise in heart-related problems, Dr Anil Krishna, senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Maxcure Hospitals, Hyderabad, said.
According to cardiologists, sudden cardiac deaths contribute to around 10 percent of overall mortality in India. It is estimated that about 95 per cent of cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital.
A lot of awareness has to be created about heart-related ailments in India. Simple procedures like Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which can save lives in emergencies like cardiac arrests is not known to many. ‘’Therefore on the occasion of WHD we should create awareness on such simple yet important issues which can go a long way in preventing heart ailments,’’ Sai Sudhakar further said.
As about three million Indians are falling prey to Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) every year, mainly due to lack of proper awareness and emergency care, cardiologists wants to use the occasion to create awareness about prevention by creating heart-healthy environment.
WHD theme stresses on creating heart- healthy environment at home, work and public places. Therefore besides educating people on healthy lifestyle they will also trained in procedures like CPR which will help in saving many lives. CPR is nothing but exerting pressure on the chest of the patient to restore and supply oxygen to the brain, till the person is taken to the hospital and anyone can do it, Sudhakar says.
CAD is the most common non-infectious disease in India affecting about 64 million people and of late even women are increasingly affected by it. Indians have the highest mortality and morbidity rates from CAD compared to any other nation.
Many people do not even now that they are facing a danger of CAD or are about to suffer a heart stroke. Though many experience pain or uneasiness in heart, neglect the symptoms, thus worsening the condition. Therefore creating healthy environment and following healthy lifestyle is not a choice but must to avoid problems in the future, said Dr PC Rath, Head of Department of Cardiology, Apollo Hospital.
‘Healthy Lifestyle Important to Prevent CAD’
Dr Anil Krishna, senior consultant interventional cardiologist at Maxcure Hospitals, Hyderabad explains about the importance of healthy lifestyle to prevent increasing incidence of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in an interview. He stresses on the need for more awareness on heart diseases.
How prevalent are heart-related diseases today?
Heart-related ailments and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) complaints are rising on an alarming rate. The age of incidence is also coming down, which is an unhealthy trend. Earlier we used to get heart related complains mostly after 55 to 60 years. But of late heart diseases are being reported even among people in their 40s. The average incidence age has decreased by almost a decade.
Why is it so?
Unhealthy lifestyle is the main cause. Unhealthy diet like consuming junk food, processed food, food rich in cholesterol has increased today. Besides lack of exercise and inactive lifestyle are aggravating the problem. Childhood obesity, stress, diabetes, which are all contributing factors for CAD. Due to these unhealthy trends CAD complaints are increasing.
Is CAD prone to any specific age group or gender?
CAD mostly affects men. But even women are falling prey to it which is a new development. Earlier women used to get heart disease only after 55 years. But nowdays women below 50 years are also complaining of CAD. Changing lifestyle trends are the main cause.
How can we prevent CAD?
Healthy lifestyle is what is needed for preventing coronary artery disease. People should decrease consumption of processed and junk foods which are rich in salt, sugar and fats and instead should increase intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and food rich in fibre content. Everyone should make exercise compulsorily part of their daily routine.
Your advice on the occasion of World Heart Day?
CAD can be avoided in most of the cases. A healthy lifestyle keeps a person away from CAD. Just simple steps can do a great difference. Incorporating changes like taking stairs instead of lift, cutting alcohol, daily exercise, among others can prevent serious problems in the future. Also all those above 30 years of age should have regular health checkups.