Friday 24 June 2016

Common myths and facts about heart surgery

Common myths and facts about heart surgery
Dr OP Yadava and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal educate the public and the medical fraternity about the urgent need to raise awareness about the reversal of heart disease New Delhi, June 23, 2016: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and premature mortality in the world contributing to over 17.5 million deaths every year. The disease poses a great risk in a developing country like India, which is not only one of the most densely populated nations but is also beset with extreme differences in terms of the social, economic and regional divisions. India already holds the title of the diabetic capital of the world. Estimates indicate that by 2025, we will also be the CVD capital of the world with estimation of 69.8 million disease cases. The most common type of heart disease in India is coronary artery disease that is caused due to the narrowing and choking of the heart artery walls over a period due to the deposit of plaque. The primary cause of this is irregularities in one’s lifestyle. Recognising the need to raise awareness and reduce the increasing incidence of heart disease in the young (people below the age of 40), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) today hosted a webcast that was attended by over 3000 doctors and patients. The expert faculty for the webcast included Dr OP Yadava Chief Cardio Thoracic Surgeon, National Heart Institute and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President HCFI & Honorary Secretary General IMA. Speaking about the webcast, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “Congenital heart disease affects 3-5 children per 1000 population. If diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, almost 99% of the children and live healthy and long-lives. Rheumatic heart disease is easily preventable by maintaining adequate hygiene. In case of any fever with joint pains and a sore throat, parents must take their child to the doctor without any delay. In the 21st century with more and more people being diagnosed with coronary heart disease at an early age given their irregular lifestyles, it is crucial that awareness is raised about the long-term implications of living high stressed sedentary lives. Tobacco consumption increases a person’s chances of developing heart disease by two folds. Living a healthy and balanced life is key. People must also be educated about how it is not required to take second opinions from doctors abroad. Cardiac treatment in India is as advanced as it is outside.” Adding to this, Dr OP Yadava said, “It is important that heart patients should never ignore mild symptoms by finding some explanation for it. They must report it to their doctor, as it could be a hidden sign of an upcoming heart attack. It is also important to remember that after a heart surgery, constant monitoring of the heart and lifestyle modifications preventing further damage are critical. The decision to go in for a bypass or an angioplasty must be a team including the cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, family physician as well as the patient and his/her family members”. Though heart surgery is a costly affair, there are organizations that come to the aid of poor people. Heart Care Foundation of India through its partnership with the National Heart Institute has been helping save lives of those in need of heart surgery but are unable to afford treatment because of their financial background over the past two years. Any person can apply for the benefits of the project the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund by calling on its helpline number +919958771177. An expert committee comprising of notable individuals would assess all applications received by the fund. Once sanctioned, the funds would be directly deposited in the bank account of the medical establishments treating the patient.

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