Cardiologists have underlined the need for preventive measures rather than curative processes to avert lifestyle diseases. They were speaking at a programme organised by The Hindu in association with Purna Heart Institute on World Heart Day in the city on Monday.
“Among the factors that trigger cardiac problems, lifestyle, hypertension and diet were the prime ones. As a result, there is a steep rise in the number of people aged below 40 suffering heart attacks,” said Dr. A. Purnanand, consultant cardiologist at Purna Heart Institute.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Heart Disease – Lifestyle Management’, he said people should maintain a healthy lifestyle, comprising regular exercise and proper diet. “They should also avoid smoking and alcohol, besides controlling stress. This is especially necessary in the context of rapid urbanisation that threatens the next generation, with 10 per cent of India’s population suffering with cardiac problems,” he added. “Reducing the intake of salt to five grams (about one tablespoon) a day will help save many lives. This is one of the biggest changes that need to be practised in our country,” Dr. Purnanand said.
Speaking on ‘Brain stroke and its prevention’, neurologist V. Rama Tarak Nath said of late, many people, especially those aged between 30 and 40, suffered brain strokes. “Brain stroke or cerebro vascular disease can damage brain tissue owing to blood flow interruption to the brain. In some cases, the blood vessel gets blocked, and in others, the vessel bursts open,” he added.
There are two types of brain strokes: ischaemic stroke happens when something blocks an artery that carries blood to the brain and haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain, he said.
“Though there are advanced treatments to address these problems, prevention is always better. Annual assessment of blood pressure, sugar levels and cholesterol is necessary,” Dr. Rama Tarak Nath said. Dr. K. Lakshmi Prasanna gave a presentation and spoke of diseases affecting blood vessels.
