Epidemic of the modern era Indian men have the highest incidence of CAD and die at a younger age than males of any other race.
Indian women have coronary artery disease rate three times higher than their American counterparts.
Predicted death rate because of CAD by 2015 is 34% among all male deaths and 32% female deaths in India.
40–50% of the patients who suffer their initial heart attack die within one hour, 20–30% who manage to reach the hospital die within 24 hours. So only the rest 30–40% become eligible for some sort of treatment, medical or surgical.
WHO CAN GET IT:
Nobody is immune to CAD. Anyone who has one or more of the following risk factors has a higher chance of getting CAD.
| Modifiable | Non – Modifiable |
|---|---|
| Smoking | Age |
| Diabetes | Genetics |
| High fat content in blood | |
| High blood pressure | |
| Obesity | |
| Stress | |
| Lack of exercises |
SYMPTOMS
Specific:
Chest pain on exertion radiating to the left arm or left jaw
Tightness or heaviness around the chest with or without difficulty in breathing – at exertion or at rest
Chest pain associated with sweating
Non-Specific:
Heart burn, epigastric pain
Generalized weakness unexplained
Silent especially in diabetics
WHAT TO DO?
Severe chest pain with sweating – See your physician immediately – It may be a heart attack! Chest pain not getting relieved with rest for 30 min or more. See your physician immediately – It can be a heart attack in progress!
Chest pain on exertion – Consult your physician at an early date – It may be a warning bell!
INVESTIGATION TO DIAGNOSE – CAD
Electrocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Stress Test / Thallium Scan
Coronary Angiogram
Blood Test – Cardiac enzymes, Lipid profile
TREATMENT AVAILABLE:
Medical:
Medicines to optimise blood flow to the heart
Angioplasty – To widen the blocks in the arteries carrying blood to the heart, using balloon technique
Surgery:
CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Operation
CAN CAD BE PREVENTED?
The truth is we cannot prevent CAD but can prevent a heart attack
HOW TO PREVENT A HEART ATTACK
By modifying the risk factors
No smoking – active or passive
Low fat, high fibre diet. Low salt diet – if blood pressure is high and low calorie – if diabetic
Strict control of blood pressure and diabetes under supervision of your physician
Increase physical activity, regular exercises
Avoid excessive mental stress by finding out a way of relaxation that suits you best (e.g., Yoga, Meditation, Sports etc.)
If you have more than one of the above said risk factors you should have periodic check (Blood, Cholesterol, ECG, Stress tests) to detect CAD early
If you have any doubt about Heart Disease,
Please mail to: needyheart@hotmail.com