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F.Y.I: Coronary Heart Disease
Welcome to our newest segment on SI known as F.Y.I, in this particular segment we shall discuss about medical issues that concerns our growing Indian population, of which most of us are unaware about. Through this, we intend to share our views and life experiences to aid understanding. To start off this week's topic, let's talk about heart associated diseases.
Did u know that Indians have the highest risk of suffering a Heart attack? Research has shown that 3 out of 5 of us are victims to a heart associated disease such as Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). To prevent such life threatening events, it's vital for us to understand the signs and risk factors.
What is Coronary heart disease??
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women. CHD is caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart, and often results in a heart attack.
How does narrowing of the arteries take place??
"We're What We Eat"-sounds familiar? Well, it is true. All those oils in our chicken masala and fats in our mutton briyani don’t only get digested in our stomachs, it also diffuses traces of lipids (fats) into our vessels, hence narrowing the arteries and constricting our blood flow. Too much of alcohol intake also contributes to the narrowing of the arteries and progressively to a heart attack.
Indian Food can be oily and contain high amounts of sugars. Think about food like briyani, gulab jamun, jilebi, ghee-fried items, roti prata etc. that can be bad if taken beyond moderation limits.
A heart attack is a frightening event, and you probably don't want to think about it. But, if you learn the signs of a heart attack and what steps to take, you can save a life–maybe your own.
These are:
* Chest discomfort - Most heart attacks involve discomfort at the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort feels like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It could sometimes be mistaken for indigestion.
* Discomfort in other areas of the upper body - such as on, one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
* Shortness of breath-Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
* Other symptoms-May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
If you experience all or most of the above symptoms, do seek medical attention immediately. It could save your life.
Here are some Risk factors you can control:
* Tobacco smoke — Smokers' risk of heart attack is more than twice that of non-smokers. Smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die suddenly (within an hour). This information is important for those young smokers who find it hard to shrug the habit.
* High blood cholesterol — As blood cholesterol rises, so does risk of heart diseases. When other risk factors (such as high blood pressure and tobacco smoke) are present, this risk increases even more.
* High blood pressure — this increases the heart's workload, causing the heart to enlarge and weaken. It also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure. When combined with obesity, smoking, high blood cholesterol levels or diabetes, the risk of heart attack increases.
* Physical inactivity —an inactive lifestyle is a risk factor for heart disease. Regular, moderate to vigorous physical activity helps prevent heart attacks. So even if you hit the clubs- dance the night away so it works your heart.
* Obesity —People who have excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease, even if they have no other risk factors.
* Diabetes mellitus —even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you have already suffered a heart attack, I suppose you also understand that there's no cure. You can only prevent another attack by taking your medications regularly and changing your lifestyle. That includes a proper diet and adequate exercise like swimming and jogging. As for those who smoke & drink, it's high time you reduce or STOP in order to prevent more pressure to the heart. And of course regular check-ups with your cardiologist also aids in monitoring and detecting any abnormalities earlier.
As for those who still have all the time in the world to change your lifestyle, don't waste your time. Take this opportunity to live life to the fullest. Enrol yourself in yoga classes, learn meditation, cleanse the soul & heal your body. Don't let your heart skip a beat.
And make sure you switch to a healthy diet containing food from all food groups including a good amount of vegetables and fruits. Try out the healthier version of Indian food, so go vegan. Steamed meals like idly, idayamma with dhal and other vegetarian delights gives you all the craving satisfaction plus a healthier heart.
"When I first had a heart attack, I felt a squeezing pain on the left side of my chest, I couldn't breath, & after awhile I blacked-out. When I woke up I couldn't move, all I could hear was alarms beeping and in the midst of everything I saw this nurse who was telling me that I was going to be alright. She kept motivating me. She knew I was scared, and when I cried she held my hands and told me ("uncle you are given another chance to live, don't worry, rest well, when you wake up, all this will be over.") I still remember those words. And I believe it's a miracle that I'm still here."
- a victim.
Contributor: Rajeswari (Enrolled Nurse with TTSH)
Editor: Jayasutha Yasin
