Published On : Thu, Sep 29th, 2016

Indians are worsening their risk for heart diseases claims Dr Nitin Tiwari

Advertisement

 

Leading Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Tiwari

Leading Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Tiwari


Nagpur
: Heart disease is one of the major killers in India. It is predicted that by 2020, around 2.6 million Indians will die due to heart disease; which constitutes more than half the cases of death due to cardiovascular diseases in the world. In fact, heart disease strikes Indians at an early age; data suggests that Indians with heart disease are almost a decade younger to their western counterparts. Besides, heart disease is a leading killer of Indian women, which is in contrast to the common assumption that risk of heart disease is lesser among women.

On the occasion of World Heart Day, Leading Cardiologist Dr Nitin Tiwari pointed out that born with thinner arteries and at genetic risk for cardiac diseases, Indians are worsening their risk for heart diseases with poor physical activity, a high-fat diet and by steadily shunning fruits and vegetables. Addressing the press meet at Nagpur, Dr. Nitin Tiwari emphasized that in today’s stressful world, it has become crucial that each one of us takes some constructive steps to keep our heart healthy, before its too late, especially since prevention is easy and can substantially reduce cardiac risk.

Dr. Nitin Tiwari also utilized this opportunity to address certain myths associated with heart diseases. He said, “It is a myth that cardiovascular disease mostly affects males. In fact, heart disease is the reason for 1 in 3 female deaths each year. It’s my urge to all Indian females that in their daily rush when they are being ideal wives and mothers, please take at least a moment for yourself and listen to your own heart. After all, health of the entire family depends on you. It is important that you should be healthy enough so that you can extend your care to your family members.” Dr. Nitin Tiwari further added, “In fact not only adults, in today’s world, our children are also at increased risk of heart disease. So there is no age or gender bar to develop cardiovascular disease.”

“India is being known as the coronary and diabetes capital of the world. It is sad that we are losing so many young lives,” He pointed out. “But the solution is simple. We just need to make some small changes in our lifestyle and if you have some heart problem, follow the instructions given by your doctor rather than following Google.”

Dr. Nitin Tiwari highlighted that presence of risk factors especially high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity substantially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. “But the good news is that these risk factors are modifiable and can be kept under control,” said Dr. Nitin Tiwari. To best combat heart disease in India, according to Dr. Nitin Tiwari, there needs to be a comprehensive approach, which will require improvements in basic amenities, healthcare facilities and, perhaps most importantly, education that will enable people to take responsibility for their own actions. Dr. Nitin Tiwari noted, “For tuberculosis you have TB clinics. For malaria, you have the malaria control program. For cardiovascular diseases especially in rural areas, we have nothing so far. So I appreciate the initiative taken by Cipla Ltd., to educate people on cardiovascular diseases and which emphasizes that if you want to save your and your loved ones from this killer it is important that you make some small changes in your and your loved one’s lives. Truly, it is important for us to understand that Healthy Heart is the key for Healthy Life. Let’s step up and start caring.”

Do’s Don’ts
Eat a healthy, well balanced diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Do not consume fried foods or foods rich in saturated fats (e.g. cakes, cookies, red meat, egg yolk etc) or high-salt foods (e.g. papads, pickle, chutneys etc.)
Keep your body weight, blood pressure, diabetes and blood cholesterol under control. Visit your doctor at regular intervals. Do not smoke or consume excess alcohol.
Walk or exercise for at least 30 minutes, for a minimum of 5 days in a week, with your doctor’s advice Do not get emotionally upset or stress (physically or mentally).
Take the medicines prescribed for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or diabetes as per your doctor’s advice. Do not take any medicines without consulting your doctor.