Risk factors for heart disease: Dr. Devi Shetty, Narayana Health.
How to beat Cardio Vascular Diseases and decrease the risk of a heart attack. To discuss more about heart health, Famhealth talked with Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman, Founder, Executive Director and Chief Cardiac Surgeon of Narayana Health.
People in the 30’s think that they are not vulnerable to heart diseases?
Dr. Shetty says,” many people who gym, drop dead in a gym”. Most of the patients do not have any symptoms like chest pain or breathing difficulties. This is called silent ischemia which leads to a silent heart attacks.
Indians’ predisposition to heart diseases is higher due to genetic makeup.
“Age is no criteria for heart diseases. Young people shouldn’t think that they are safe from heart issues. Every Indian past the age of 35-40 years should get tested for heart disease. This should be done even earlier if they have a family history of heart disease” . They must go for a CT scan, blood tests, basic electrolyte test, and CT Angio are some tests that can prevent Cardiovascular Diseases says Dr. Shetty.
Importance of lifestyle
Dr. Shetty says “a lot of heart problems can be reduced by changing the lifestyle like quitting smoking, chewing tobacco, obesity should be avoided and a physically active lifestyle followed”.
Women and their vulnerability to heart diseases
On this topic, Dr. Shetty says that nature will protect women till the age of 45-50 (till menopause). After that if they won’t take care of their heart they are susceptive to major coronary heart diseases.