Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : July 8, 2016 9:55 AM IST
Read this in HINDI
Whether you are visiting your cardiologist for the first time or for a follow-up, there are certain things every heart specialist wants the patients to know. As heart disease is one of the leading causes of mortality in India and a lifestyle disease, knowing about these things might help you to prevent heart disease and also help you to lead a healthy life even while suffering from a heart condition. Our expert Dr Santosh Kumar Dora, Consultant cardiology and electrophysiology, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai, puts forth a few important things everyone should know before consulting a cardiologist.
1. A diagnosis is a step-by-step approach
First-time patients or follow-up patients should bear in mind that diagnosing a condition and dealing with the condition is a process. For example, first-timers need to provide a detailed explanation, which is followed by investigation and testing. And after diagnosing the condition, the next step is to treat it accordingly. However, the case with a follow-up patient is slightly different as the doctor checks the developments/ changes since the last visit. Hence, the diagnosis and treatment of any condition varies from person to person. Here are heart disease tests that can help with diagnosis.
2. Take medications as recommended by your doctor
Dr Dora says, My sincere advice for people with heart problems or who have high cholesterol or high blood pressure is to take medications as recommended by the doctor. If you cannot take the drugs for a while or fail to do so, bring it to the doctor's notice. Also, in case of side-effects (if any), stop taking medications and inform your doctor about the same, so that he can prescribe medication without the side-effects.
3. Google only for information, not for treatment
The Internet is full of information, which is easily accessible. Hence, whenever a person falls ill, they prefer searching for treatment on Google instead of consulting a doctor. But self-medication for heart problems like hypertension, coronary heart disease or to deal with any side-effects is not recommended. As the information on the Internet is generalised and not individualised, it acts as an excellent platform to understand the condition but not when it comes to treatment. Also, ask your doctor whether the information is valid. Also, read about Google baba or the crib master Find out what kind of a patient you are.
4. Never miss regular health check-ups and blood tests
According to Dr Dora, people suffering from cardiac ailments such as coronary heart block are recommended to take blood tests for the follow-ups and hence, should get it done before they go for the next check-up. The common tests recommended are fasting lipid profile, electrocardiogram, electro angiogram and blood sugar of the first three months (HbA1C). People with heart disease and diabetes are at a high risk of kidney disease and hence, in some cases, even kidney profile tests (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) are advised to rule out kidney problems.
Recently, there have been cases where people develop silent heart attack without any known symptoms or history of a cardiovascular disease. And hence, a routine ECG (electrocardiogram) is recommended, which shows changes in the heart function and helps in the investigation of any risk of heart problems in the future.
5. Invest in a at-home blood pressure monitoring machine
If people suffer from hypertension, which is one of the most common causes of heart problems, they should get their blood pressure checked at least once a week. And it is preferable if they check it at home to get a reading more often. Also, it is not feasible for a person (time wise and money wise) to consult a doctor every week only to get their blood pressure checked. If one has a digital BP machine at home, they can test the blood pressure frequently or whenever they feel something is wrong and can consult the doctor immediately to keep the blood pressure in control. A digital blood pressure machine hardly cost around Rs 1500 -2000 and they work efficiently for a year or two. Although they do not provide accurate readings, it gives some information about your blood pressure (whether it is under control, high or low). Here's more on how to get your blood pressure checked.
6. Do not ignore any symptoms
Most people tend to ignore acidity thinking it is not a sign of heart attack. However, the fact is that most people often get confused between a heart attack and acidity, ignore the symptoms and finally land in the hospital when it is too late or when they have already suffered a heart attack. Hence, if you suffer from acidity, take it seriously. Here s how to know if it is acidity or heart attack.
7. Exercise the key to a healthy heart
The role of diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy heart cannot be emphasised enough. Being a leading cardiologist, Dr Dora participates in Mumbai Half-marathon and says that he practices what he preaches. Whether you are at risk of a heart problem or suffering from heart disease, it is important to lead a physically active life. If brisk walking is not possible, then walk for at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes for five days a week. It is said that walking 10,000 steps a day is the key to staying fit and healthy. It not only maintains your weight but also lowers your risk of diabetes, helps in the regulation of blood pressure and keeps your cholesterol in control, thereby maintaining overall health.
8. Eat a balanced diet
As far as diet is concerned, stick to a basic diet pattern 60% calories should come from carbohydrates, 30% from fats and the remaining 10% from proteins. One can eat restaurant food once in a while but avoid eating out every day. Eat a filling breakfast and a light lunch and dinner. Avoid snacking and drinking tea or coffee between lunch and dinner. Instead, replace unhealthy snacks with fresh fruits, nuts (almonds, walnuts and flax seeds) and vegetables. Snacks are taken as leisurely meals which only add calories to the body. A person weighing 60 kgs has to consume 2000 2500 calories in a day. If you are suffering from a heart disease or have undergone surgery, then consult a dietician for a proper balanced diet with the right amount of vitamins, minerals and calories. Here's a sample diet plan for heart patients
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