Bypass surgery to running a marathon - What changed for this 59-year-old

Veerendra is actually planning to run a marathon post his bypass surgery. Click to know more.

Just a day before Veerendra Veer Singh was supposed to get his annual health checkup done, he felt a sudden uneasiness. A diabetic patient, the 59-year-old had eaten more than 250 gms of mangoes on that day. And when hospitalised, he found that his blood glucose level was 500 mg/dl. Along with blood glucose tests, ECG was also done. When he consulted a cardiologist, he came to know that he had an underlying heart problem as the ECG was not normal and that would have to undergo an angiography to know the exact problem. When he underwent the procedure the next day, it was found that there were five blockages. His condition was detected by chance and not due to any symptoms of heart disease or a heart attack.

As any other person would do, he considered getting a second opinion when the doctor advised angioplasty. 9 out of 10 doctors said that he had to undergo bypass surgery, but one doctor insisted on angioplasty or stents. This was when he went to Dr Ramakant Panda, Asian Heart Institute, who told him that as per angiography, Veerendra would have to undergo a bypass surgery. And hence, Veerendra Veer Singh underwent CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), commonly known as bypass surgery on July 2016. Planning to undergo bypass surgery, here are eight things you should keep in mind.

He also had to undergo 35 sessions of EECP therapy daily to improve his heart function, which began the next day after the surgery. Once he showed signs of improvement, he was advised to undergo physiotherapy training and exercises at Cardiac Rehab centre at the Asian Heart Institute. He started exercising on treadmill, elliptical and cycling every alternate day and also performing yoga asanas as recommended by experts at the Rehab Centre. He slowly started going for morning walks (which he had never done before) and exercising at home, when he didn't workout at the Rehab Centre. He says, 'Although I have a gym in my neighbourhood, I prefer coming to the Rehab Centre because at the gym you have to do exercise without any medical supervision, unlike Cardiac Rehab centre where everything is monitored.' Read about six ways exercise helps your heart stay healthy.

As far as diet is concerned, being a diabetic, there were very many restrictions earlier. But now he also has to restrict salt intake. After the surgery, he says that he is feeling more energetic and less tired as he works out regularly without fail. Life has changed for him after the surgery because he is fitter and stays healthy. He is also planning to participate in the half marathon next year. Read more on Mumbai Marathon: 5 expert tips for people with heart disease

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Video: TheHealthSite