A few days before World Heart Day, Dr Kasliwal from Medanta Hospital addressed a webinar organised by Economic Times Live where he spoke on how India can be free from cardiovascular diseases. Excerpts from the webinar.
CVD is an epidemic in our country. Women feel they are safe from it but that is far from true. 60% of world’s total heart attacks take place in India according to a study. 25-30% of people do not get saved when they have a heart attack. Dr Kasliwal highlighted the risk factors that predispose us to a heart attack. They are:
- Smoking
- High BP – common cause of strokes
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Family history makes you four times more likely to have a heart attack or heart disease.
‘I have a formula called ASAP which stands for AWARENESS – once you are aware about your health, get yourself SCREENED, now take ACTION which can be lifestyle changes or doctor-recommended medications,’ he added. He also gave other pointers to take care of your heart. Also read – 3 therapies for a healthy heart.
Men and women over 25 should have a basic check done to find out if they have any of these risk factors. You will be surprised to know that in western countries, the number is slowly coming down. In India however it is rising. It can come down with the help of meditation and yoga.
CVDs are common in most countries but in the last 60 years, people have changed their course of actions and prevented it. In India it is common due to wrong diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking.
Avoid saturated fats and salt as they accumulate in the food and cause problems. Don’t accumulate fat around abdomen. Do basic check-up such as BMI to know more about your health.
He also recommended using self-monitoring devices. ‘If you are a high BP patient then it is good to use one. The pressure measured at home is the right one as it might go up when you go to the doctor due to factors like fear and anxiety. But take it correctly at home. Put your hand on the table, sit properly and then take it,’ he suggested.
His message to everyone for World Heart Day,’Say no to smoking, salt, sedentary lifestyle, high fat diet and yes to yoga and exercise.’
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