Prof. Dr Sanjay Porwal, MD,DNB (card),FESC,FSCAI,FACC
Interview by : Dr. Pramod N Sulikeri, Ph.D
Sr. Transplant Coordinator, KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital
In the last three decades the country has witnessed an alarming rise in heart disease, particularly among young & productive age group almost amounting about 30% of the total deaths in India. The exponential increase of cardiac disease in Indian youth is an outcome of rapid urbanisation, industrialisation uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, obesity, stress, sedentary life style, environmental pollutions and drastic change in food habits. As per the report of a study conducted in 2016, the estimated prevalence of CVDs (Coronary Vascular Disease) in India was estimated to be 54.5 million (2016). One in 4 deaths in India are now because of CVDs with ischemic heart disease and stroke responsiblefor>80% of this burden.The frequency of coronary heart disease in young Indians is 15-18% higher than in any other population group globally and also includes Indians residing outside India.. Heart attacks in young Indians are 3-4 times higher. The annual number of deaths from CVD in India increased from 2.26 million (1990) to 4.77 million (2020). Coronary heart disease prevalence rates in India have been estimated over the past several decades and have ranged from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural populations and from 1% to 13.2% inurbanpopulations.
Sitting in a single place for 4-5 hours isas good as smoking few cigarettes a day in terms of risk factor which is magnified with the current trend of “Work from Home “culture in this post Covid Era, opines Dr. Sanjay Porwal, Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital.
“Increasing workloads, monotony, poor family bonding, uncertain future, loss of job, and lack of hobbies or recreation/poor socialization are causing distress among youth. The recent studies show that women are equally prone to heart disease what was once considered rare. Heart attack was consideredas “old man’s disease” – are increasingly occurring in younger people, especially women, according to new research.
Why heart attack happens in young age?
Dr. Sanjay Porwal: Substance abuse or excessive alcohol use, sedentary life style,Tech addiction, Smoking, High blood pressure, western food habits, obesity are the main risk factors.
How common is heart disease in young adults?
Dr. Sanjay Porwal: Data show that young adults who has diabetes, Hypertension& post Covid status are more likely to have heart disease and have repeat events than heart attack survivors without diabetes.
Can I develop heart disease in your 20s?
Dr. Sanjay Porwal: Heart attacks can happen at any age irrespective of gender.
How can I strengthen my heart?
Dr. Sanjay Porwal: I recommend, brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and skipping. Healthy food habits, positive attitude is also essential. I also caution, take advise of your physician and before starting exercise regimen
What are the symptoms of heart attack?
Dr. Sanjay Porwal: Chest pain, or a feeling of pressure or squeezing in the centre of the chest or back side. This discomfort may last several minutes: It may also come and go. Pain may be experienced in the throat. Symptoms may be confused with indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Radiating pain in left hand, profuse sweating and giddiness are few of the symptoms. One must immediately shift the patient with these symptoms to hospital.
Dr. Sanjay Porwal suggested following Preventive strategies;
- Keep your sugar levels under control
- Keep a close watch on your Blood Pressure
- Check out for lipids.
- Say big NO to junk food. Avoid deep fried, spicy food. Home cooked food is best
- Stop smoking
- Reduce salt & sugar intake.
- Considerably reduce alcohol consumption.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle. Walking, Yoga, meditation, cycling, swimming & aerobics are good.
- If you have family history of heart disease regularly visit your doctor and follow his/her advice.
Prof. Dr Sanjay Porwal, MD,DNB(card),FESC, FSCAI,FACC
Sr Interventional Cardiologist & Professor of Cardiology
KLE University,Belgaum,Karnataka India 590001
Ph:- +919449800639 drsanjayporwal@gmail.com
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