Health and Fitness. Heart.

Heart Health begins at Home

Express news service=============================================================Posted: Wed Sep 28 2011, 00:13 hrs

On the occasion of World Heart Day on September 29, 2011, cardiologists in India are creating awareness that a majority of cardiac emergencies occur at home and taking action at the first signs of a heart attack is essential to prevent death due to heart attacks. The World Heart Day was devised by the World Heart Federation, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, to prevent and control cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases collectively form the number one worldwide killer, claiming 17.1 million lives a year, 80 percent in the developing world. This year, the theme is One World, One Home, and One Heart . The World Heart Federation is urging individuals and families to become proactive about reducing heart diseases and strokes.

In India, heart disease is the single largest cause of death, with heart attacks being responsible for one third of all deaths caused. It is estimated that by 2020, India will have the largest CV burden globally and account for 1/3 of all global deaths. About 35 to 50 percent of cases of heart disease in India affect people below the age of 50.

Over 70 percent of all cardiac emergencies occur at home when a family member is present and available to help a victim. The household is the hub for family activities, and as a focal point in everyone’s life, is the perfect place to start taking action to improve heart health. Picking from the theme for World Heart Day this time, there is a need to spread awareness in each household.

According to Dr Jagdish Hiremath, director of CCU & Cath Lab, Ruby Hall Clinic, and chief of Cardiology, Poona Hospital & Research Centre, "In Pune, we see young people (under 40) suffering massive heart attacks due to abnormal clotting of blood, forming clots in arteries. Majority of them do not have diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on, but have low Vitamin B12 levels and are pan masala consumers. If treated within the first hour, they respond wonderfully to treatment and future prevention comes from abstaining from their addiction. Individuals too must make efforts to fight cardiovascular diseases, not just policy makers and global leaders. Individuals can reduce the cardiovascular disease burden, by learning about the risk factors and taking vital steps to reduce their own and their family’s risk. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of a heart attack enables family members to act at the first signs of a heart attack. Hence getting medical attention within the fastest possible time is crucial to saving lives."

He added, "Patients who have had PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) after their heart attack, and made the necessary lifestyle changes can lead a normal life post the attack. Risk factors for heart disease and stroke include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, obesity and physical inactivity. "By adopting a few household actions, people in India can live longer and better lives through the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke. Some steps should be followed to lead a healthy life, such as healthy eating for example – eat five portions of fruits and vegetables, avoid saturated fats and processed foods, sensible intake of alcohol, avoiding tobacco, exercise for 30 minutes a day and avoid stressful situations as much as possible."

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