Dr Ramakanta Panda gives tips on angioplasty and heart health (Watch video)

One must remember that arteries having 70 percent blockage ideally need angioplasty.

By: Shaloo Tiwari | | Updated: January 2, 2018 10:38 am

Heart diseases are one of the biggest problems in our country. On one hand, the major contributing factor to many heart diseases is an unhealthy lifestyle, on the other hand, our lifestyle isn’t changing. A recent study conducted by Metropolis Healthcare revealed that a marginal population of Indians is at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Shockingly, 3 out of 10 individuals are at risk of heart attacks.
According to the reports by World Health Organisation (WHO), CVD (coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension) contribute to 45 percent of all non-communicable disease-related deaths followed by chronic respiratory disease (22 percent), cancers (12 percent) and diabetes (three percent). And Surprisingly, nearly 80 percent of premature heart attacks and strokes are preventable woth a healthy lifestyle. However, the preventive measures should begin early. Also Read - Winter can be harmful to heart patients: Tips to manage heart health in the cold

On world heart day, we spoke to one of the most eminent doctors of India & Pama Bhushan awardee Dr Ramakanta Panda. He is also India’s Leading Heart Surgeon, Chief Consultant for Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery, Vice Chairman & M D, Asian Heart Institute. Here are a few tips and myths and interesting facts that we learned from the conversation: Also Read - Delhi-NCR witnesses 50% rise in heart attacks and strokes this winter: Know the reason

1. Heart disease is preventable to a large extent. Your preparations need to start early. You need to control your diet and indulge in physical activities that will make up for a good lifestyle. Also Read - Is your chest pain a sign of a heart attack, or something else?

2. Angioplasty doesn’t cure heart diseases only controls it. Angioplasty is mainly removing the blockage but if a good lifestyle isn’t maintained, your heart may get blocked again. Extensive care after angioplasty is very important.

3. Always seek 2nd opinion for angioplasty surgery. Sometimes you may not need an angioplasty. Improvement in lifestyle, good diet and exercise may save you from an angioplasty.

4. Angioplasty & bypass should be done only when there is a risk to life, or if there are severe symptoms. One should first ask the doctor if there is any risk to life and if the AHA ACC guidelines are followed or not.

5. Arteries having 70 percent blockage ideally need angioplasty.

6. Out of 100 people suffering from heart disease 75 percent can be managed by medicine and lifestyle. However, if the symptoms are critical you shouldn’t neglect them.

7. According to the doctor latest advances in the field of heart health are there in India. However, what also counts is the experience of the doctor and his team.

8. People tend to make a lot of mistakes after a bypass surgery which causes blockage to reoccur. If you go back to an unhealthy lifestyle that includes smoking, not controlling BP or sugar, no exercise it may reoccur. Angioplasty isn’t a cure but just a control management.

9. Heart conditions may also affect kids. Adults suffer from heart conditions because of unhealthy lifestyle mostly but when it comes to kids it is Congenital. Parents don’t suspect that their kid may suffer from heart diseases. Unfortunately, the symptoms in the case of kids are unclear too. However, it is very much curable. Parents must get their kids checked. Also, if there are any unfortunate children who cannot afford a heart surgery or is suffering from any other heart issues they can come to Asian Heart Hospital for help.

10. Since stress is a big contributor, the doctor revealed his ways of combating stress. He exercises every day, mostly cardio or skipping without fail. He refrains himself from smoking tobacco. He occasional indulges in outside food but most of the time he follows a very healthy diet.

11. Not only fat people are at a risk of heart disease. Weight is just one factor, you must consider other factors like BP, sugar, genes etc.

Here’s a detailed interview with Dr. Ramakanta Panda:

Published : September 29, 2017 4:58 pm | Updated:January 2, 2018 10:38 am

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