LONG SITTING AND HEART PROBLEMS
28 Jun
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Long sitting and heart problems

Prolonged sitting can cause heart difficulties and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sedentary behavior for long periods of time might have a negative impact on your heart health and overall well-being. Here are a few ways that prolonged sitting might harm your heart:

  1. Reduced Physical Activity: Sitting for extended periods of time frequently results in decreased physical activity levels. Regular exercise is essential for keeping your heart healthy. Sitting for long periods without moving can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
  2.  Blood Circulation: Sitting for extended periods of time might impair blood circulation in your body. Because your muscles are not actively engaged while you sit, blood flow is slower. Because of the decreased circulation, the risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases. A heart attack can occur if a blood clot dislodges and goes to the heart.
  3. Sedentary behaviour: Sedentary behaviour has been related to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. Sitting for long periods of time can lead to weight gain, obesity, and metabolic irregularities, all of which can have a bad impact on heart health.
  4. Impaired Glucose Regulation: Extended sitting can affect the body’s capacity to appropriately manage blood sugar levels. This can raise the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

It is critical to incorporate frequent physical activity and breaks from extended sitting into your daily routine to counteract the detrimental effects of sitting on heart health. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Take Regular Breaks: If feasible, stand up, stretch, and move about every 30 minutes. Even brief breaks can increase blood circulation and mitigate the detrimental effects of extended sitting.
  2. Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or any other type of exercise that raises your heart rate.
  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: To maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular exercise and eat a well-balanced diet. Excess weight puts strain on the heart and raises the risk of heart disease.
  4. Create an Active Workspace: Think about using a standing desk or an adjustable workstation that allows you to switch between sitting and standing positions during the day. This can help to decrease sedentary behaviour and promote more mobility.
  5. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to encourage regular movement, as you’ll need to stop for toilet breaks.

Remember to seek personalized advice and suggestions from your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing cardiac issues or concerns about your heart health.

swelling in lower limbs and how to evaluate
28 Jun
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Swelling in lower limbs how to evaluate

Lower limb swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor concerns to more significant medical conditions. If you have chronic or worrying swelling, It is  strongly advised that you to see a doctor for an exact evaluation and diagnosis.

That being said, the following processes may be involved in evaluating swelling in the lower limbs:

    • Medical History: Your healthcare professional will first ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries or illnesses. Providing information regarding the swelling’s development, length, and characteristics will aid in establishing the underlying reason.
    • Physical Exam: Your lower limbs will be examined to determine the level of edoema, the existence of any skin abnormalities (such as redness or warmth), and any other associated symptoms. Your doctor may also look for evidence of circulatory issues or abnormal fluid retention.
    • Diagnostic testing: Based on the first evaluation, your healthcare provider may request additional diagnostic testing to determine the reason of the swelling. These could include:
    • Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to assess kidney function, liver function, blood cell counts, and inflammatory indicators.
    • Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that employs sound waves to evaluate blood flow and detect any blockages or irregularities in the blood vessels.
    • X-rays: X-rays may be ordered to look for fractures or abnormalities in the bones and joints.
    • CT scan or MRI: These imaging procedures provide more comprehensive views of internal leg tissues such as muscles, tendons, and blood arteries.
    • Echocardiography: If cardiac abnormalities are suspected, an echocardiography may be performed to evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
    • Lymphoscintigraphy: A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the foot to trace the flow of lymphatic fluid. It aids in the evaluation of lymphatic system function.
    • Referral to a Specialist: Based on the first evaluation and test results, your healthcare provider may send you to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, vascular specialist, rheumatologist, or orthopaedic expert, to evaluate the underlying cause of the swelling.

Remember to seek the advice of a healthcare expert for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. They will be able to examine your individual circumstances and advise you on the best course of action.

Role of coronary calcium score in heart health evaluation
28 Jun
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Role of coronary calcium score in heart health evaluation

The coronary calcium score is a diagnostic measure used to determine the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, namely coronary artery disease (CAD). It measures the quantity of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which can indicate the presence of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup.

The following is the role of coronary calcium score in assessing heart health:

  1. Risk assessment for coronary artery disease: The coronary calcium score assists in determining the risk of getting CAD. Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are a sign of atherosclerosis, which is characterised by a progressive constriction and hardening of the arteries caused by plaque formation. The greater the calcium score, the more likely you are to have serious coronary artery disease.
  2. Identifying high-risk individuals: The calcium score goes beyond standard risk variables including age, gender, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. It can help identify those who are at a higher risk of developing CAD even if their traditional risk factors are not significantly raised. This enables more tailored preventive and intervention approaches.
  3. Treatment strategy refinement: The coronary calcium score can help guide treatment decisions. For example, if a person has a high calcium score, it may trigger more active risk factor management, lifestyle changes, and medication use to lower the risk of future cardiac events. In contrast, a low or zero calcium score may suggest a decreased risk and impact treatment intensity selections.
  4. Monitoring illness progression: The calcium score can be used to track the progression of a disease over time. Repeated scans can detect changes in calcium deposition and plaque burden, revealing the effectiveness of therapies and guiding treatment strategy revisions.
  5. Motivating lifestyle changes: A high calcium score can serve as a wake-up call for people to live healthier lives. It can provide visible evidence of the prevalence and depth of atherosclerosis, which may encourage people to make good changes like stopping smoking, improving their diet, increasing physical activity, and managing other risk factors.

It is crucial to highlight that the coronary calcium score is just one of many tools used by healthcare practitioners to assess heart health. It should be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation, additional diagnostic testing, and individual risk factors. A healthcare provider should be consulted before deciding to undergo a coronary calcium scoring test.

Heart palpitations
28 Jun
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Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are feelings or awareness of one’s own heartbeat. They are characterized by fluttering, pounding, racing, or irregular heartbeats. When you have heart palpitations, you may feel as if your heart is beating too quickly, too forcefully, or as if it is missing beats.

Palpitations are common throughout the chest, throat, and neck. Other symptoms may accompany them, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or sweating. Palpitations can be intermittent and transient, or they can linger for an extended amount of time.

While heart palpitations can be frightening, they are usually harmless and do not warrant concern. Many people suffer palpitations on occasion, often during periods of stress, anxiety, or physical effort. In such circumstances, the palpitations normally go away on their own and do not necessitate medical attention.

However, heart palpitations might be a sign of an underlying medical disease that requires treatment in some cases. Palpitations can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  1. Arrhythmias: Palpitations can be caused by irregular cardiac rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
  2. Heart issues, such as heart valve difficulties, coronary artery disease, or cardiac muscle disorders, can all lead to palpitations.
  3. Stimulants such as coffee, nicotine, or some medications, as well as alcohol or drug usage, can cause palpitations in some people.
  4. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can all impact heart rhythm and cause palpitations.
  5. Anxiety and stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can cause the release of stress hormones, which can cause changes in heart rate and rhythm.

It is critical to get medical assistance if you have concerns about your heart palpitations or if they are accompanied by serious symptoms. Based on your specific situation, a healthcare professional can examine your symptoms, perform required tests, and provide suitable guidance or treatment.

how to manage high cholesterol
09 Jun
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How to manage high cholesterol?

Alterations to one’s lifestyle, as well as, in some instances, taking medicine as prescribed by a medical practitioner, are necessary components in the management of high cholesterol. The following are some techniques that can be used to assist manage high cholesterol levels:

  • Eat a diet that is good for your heart by concentrating on eating foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol found in food. Increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and chicken), and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados) is a great way to improve your health. Reduce the amount of processed foods, fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy items that you consume.
  • Increase the amount of fiber in your diet: Consuming foods that are high in soluble fiber will help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eat foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, legumes (beans and lentils), fruits (apples, citrus fruits), and vegetables (brussels sprouts, carrots), as part of a healthy diet.
  • Participate in regular exercise: Perform aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity or for 75 minutes per week at a strong intensity, and engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. Participating in regular physical activity is associated with improvements in both HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) levels.
  • A healthy weight should be maintained; shedding excess weight, on the other hand, can assist in bringing cholesterol levels down. Aim to maintain a body mass index (BMI) that falls somewhere in the healthy range, which is between 18.5-24.9. For specific advice tailored to your needs, speak with a qualified medical practitioner or a licensed dietician.
  • Reduce your use of alcohol because drinking too much can cause a rise in cholesterol levels and has detrimental effects on your health in general. If you do decide to drink alcohol, do it in moderation, which is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
  • Put out that cigarette! Smoking causes damage to blood arteries, lowers HDL cholesterol, and raises LDL cholesterol. Quit smoking! Giving up smoking is the single most important thing you can do to control your cholesterol levels and improve your cardiovascular health overall.
  • Medication: Changing one’s lifestyle alone might not be enough to bring under control excessive cholesterol in all circumstances. To assist in lowering levels of LDL cholesterol, a qualified medical expert may recommend that you take medication, such as statins. It is essential to take your medications exactly as directed and maintain regular contact with your primary care physician.
  • Checkups at regular intervals: It is important to monitor your cholesterol levels as well as your general cardiovascular health by visiting your healthcare practitioner at frequent intervals. They are in a position to offer direction, evaluate your progression, and change your treatment plan as required.
  1. Eat a diet that is good for your heart by concentrating on eating foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol found in food. Increasing your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and chicken), and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados) is a great way to improve your health. Reduce the amount of processed foods, fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy items that you consume.
  • Increase the amount of fiber in your diet: Consuming foods that are high in soluble fiber will help reduce blood cholesterol levels. Eat foods that contain soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, legumes (beans and lentils), fruits (apples, citrus fruits), and vegetables (brussels sprouts, carrots), as part of a healthy diet.
  • Participate in regular exercise: Perform aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity or for 75 minutes per week at a strong intensity, and engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. Participating in regular physical activity is associated with improvements in both HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) levels.
  • A healthy weight should be maintained; shedding excess weight, on the other hand, can assist in bringing cholesterol levels down. Aim to maintain a body mass index (BMI) that falls somewhere in the healthy range, which is between 18.5-24.9. For specific advice tailored to your needs, speak with a qualified medical practitioner or a licensed dietician.
  • Reduce your use of alcohol because drinking too much can cause a rise in cholesterol levels and has detrimental effects on your health in general. If you do decide to drink alcohol, do it in moderation, which is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
  • Put out that cigarette! Smoking causes damage to blood arteries, lowers HDL cholesterol, and raises LDL cholesterol. Quit smoking! Giving up smoking is the single most important thing you can do to control your cholesterol levels and improve your cardiovascular health overall.
  • Medication: Changing one’s lifestyle alone might not be enough to bring under control excessive cholesterol in all circumstances. To assist in lowering levels of LDL cholesterol, a qualified medical expert may recommend that you take medication, such as statins. It is essential to take your medications exactly as directed and maintain regular contact with your primary care physician.
  • Checkups at regular intervals: It is important to monitor your cholesterol levels as well as your general cardiovascular health by visiting your healthcare practitioner at frequent intervals. They are in a position to offer direction, evaluate your progression, and change your treatment plan as required.

Keep in mind that treating high cholesterol requires a commitment over the long run. In order to properly manage your cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is vital to make adjustments to your lifestyle that are both durable and adhere to the treatment plan that has been prescribed for you. Always seek the advice and direction of a qualified healthcare expert.

CABG
09 Jun
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What is CABG?

The abbreviation for “Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting” is “CABG.” It is a surgical treatment that is used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), which is a condition in which the blood arteries that narrow or get clogged are those that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. The coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG, procedure is also sometimes referred to as bypass surgery or heart bypass surgery.

During a CABG procedure, a surgeon will use grafts in order to generate new blood vessels that will lead to the heart. Grafts are blood vessels that have been harvested from another region of the body, most commonly the leg or the chest wall. The blocked or narrowed segment of the coronary artery is circumvented by the surgeon by attaching one end of the graft to a healthy artery or vein beyond the section of the coronary artery that is blocked or narrowed and attaching the other end of the graft to a spot on the coronary artery that is below the obstruction.

The coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure improves blood supply to the heart muscle by making new channels for the blood to flow through. This alleviates symptoms such as chest pain (angina) and lowers the risk of having a heart attack. Additionally, it can improve the patient’s overall cardiac function and perhaps lengthen their life span.

The coronary artery bypass graft, often known as CABG, is a significant surgical procedure that is normally carried out under general anesthesia. It necessitates an overnight stay in the hospital as well as a period of healing time. individuals who have severe coronary artery disease and extensive blockages in many coronary arteries, as well as individuals who have not reacted well to previous treatments such as medication or angioplasty, are typically the ones who are candidates for this treatment. After the patient has been examined in great detail by a cardiologist or a cardiac surgeon, who takes into account the patient’s overall state of health as well as the severity of their coronary artery disease, the decision to proceed with CABG surgery is taken.

Pulmonary Hypertension
09 Jun
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PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

In neonates, babies, children, teenagers, and young adults, pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex syndrome that can be accompanied by a number of cardiac, pulmonary, and systemic diseases that increase morbidity and mortality. Inflammation, pulmonary vascular remodelling, and angioobliteration are features of the underlying pulmonary hypertensive vascular disease (PHVD), which causes elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance, right ventricular dysfunction, left ventricular compression, and ultimately heart failure. Recent developments in PH-targeted medicines and interventional surgical techniques have improved survival and quality of life in PH/PHVD patients.

A potentially fatal condition called pulmonary vascular obstructive disease is brought on by severe, persistent pulmonary hypertension. Recent discoveries in genetics and cell biology, however, give new insights into the pathophysiology of this illness, and novel treatments promise to increase survival and improve quality of life. It is essential to take a more proactive and aggressive approach to the management of pulmonary hypertension in young adults because the area is developing quickly. The evidence from several experimental investigations and the sustained clinical and hemodynamic improvement found in many adults with primary pulmonary hypertension treated with continuous prostacyclin suggest that the disease process may be stopped and possibly even reversed. Potential is probably larger in young people in whom the

The vasculature is still changing. Although most children are referred for treatment later in the course of the disease, pulmonary hypertension is usually not detected in infancy, highlighting the need to raise awareness of the condition. Young Adult Drug-Induced PAH in PH Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Obstructive sleep apnea is a breathing disorder during sleep.

PH with chronic thromboembolism Chronic high altitude exposure – PH Left ischemic heart disease chronic hypertension of the arteries persistent renal failure Myeloproliferative conditions Physiopathological occurrences

Hypoxia in the alveoli and respiratory acidosis Heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction or heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction is caused by RV hypertension.

PH in postcapillaries Pre- and postcapillary PH combined Children and young adults with PH The main causes of PH in adults are idiopathic, hereditary, drug-induced, and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), whereas PH in children frequently occurs with congenital heart disease, with genetic syndromes, and as persistent PH in newborn and young infants. Interstitial lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and developmental lung disease are also frequently linked to PH in children, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep-disordered breathing, alveolar hypoxia, and carbon dioxide retention are the most common causes of PH in adults. Children rarely develop post-capillary PH from left heart disease, but adults with left ventricular diastolic insufficiency are increasingly identified with the condition. Pre-capillary PH, also known as PAH, is increasingly regarded as a systemic condition that affects the heart, lung, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and connective tissue, among other organ systems. Treatment

Recent years have seen a remarkable evolution in the treatment of PAH, which has resulted in the approval of 5 different classes of medications for adults, including prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists [ERAS], soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, and prostacyclin receptor agonists, using 4 different delivery methods (oral, inhaled, subcutaneous, and intravenous). Patients’ symptomatic status significantly improved thanks to modern medication therapy, which also resulted in a reduced rate of clinical decline. But only a small number of these medications have been formally licenced for use in children since therapy techniques for adult PAH have not been properly investigated in young patients.

To improve screening, diagnostics (including genetic testing), established treatments, and therapy tailored to treat the underlying pathological processes in the child/young adult with PH, additional clinical and translational research is required. The RV and pulmonary arteries may both be equally relevant therapeutic targets, according to mounting evidence. Reactivation of foetal gene expression, induction of an epigenetic failure programme, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, abnormal mitochondrial metabolism with ineffective adenosine triphosphate production, and decreased coronary artery perfusion with potential for myocardial and microvascular injury are all examples of RV maladaptation.

Sudden Cardiac Death
09 Jun
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What is Sudden Cardiac Death

Overview

The sudden cessation of all heart function as a result of an abnormal heart rhythm is known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The breaths cease. The patient loses consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest might result in mortality if it is not treated right away.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and shocks to the heart delivered by an automated external defibrillator (AED) are emergency treatments for sudden cardiac arrest. With prompt, effective medical care, survival is feasible.

A heart attack is not the same as a sudden cardiac arrest. When blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked, a heart attack occurs. There is no obstruction to account for sudden cardiac arrest. However, a heart attack can alter the electrical activity of the heart, which might result in a sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Death?

The following are immediate and severe symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest:

  1. Abrupt Collapse
  2. Missing Pulse
  3. No Breathing
  4. Loss of consciousness

Prior to abrupt cardiac arrest, other symptoms can occasionally appear. These could consist of:

  1. Pain in the Chest
  2. Difficulty Breathing
  3. Weakness
  4. Heart palpitations

But unexpected abrupt cardiac arrest frequently happens.

When to visit a doctor?

The shortage of oxygen-rich blood, when the heart stops, can quickly result in death or irreversible brain damage.

For any of the following symptoms, dial 911 or emergency medical services:

  1. Chest discomfort
  2. The sensation of a racing heart
  3. Irregular or fast heartbeats
  4. Unknown wheeze
  5. Respiration difficulty
  6. Fainting, or about to faint
  7. Dizziness or lightheadedness

Call 911 or your local emergency services if you encounter someone who is unresponsive and not breathing. Next, begin CPR.

05 Jun
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What is ‘Golden Hour’ in heart attack management?

The term “golden hour” is used to refer to the essential period of time following the commencement of a heart attack during which quick medical intervention can considerably enhance the patient’s results. This period of time is referred to as the “golden hour” in the context of the management of heart attacks. It is a widely held belief that the first hour after a heart attack is the most critical period in which to begin appropriate therapy in order to restore blood flow to the portion of the heart that was damaged.

The major objective during the golden hour is to unblock the coronary artery as quickly as humanly possible so that blood flow can be restored. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), more frequently referred to as angioplasty, is the medical method that is typically used to accomplish this goal. During this operation, a catheter is inserted into the artery that is blocked in order to open it and restore blood flow. If this surgery is carried out as soon as possible, there is a better possibility of conserving heart muscle and limiting the amount of damage that will occur over the long term.

Because delays in therapy can lead to more extensive damage to the heart muscle, increased risk of complications, and potentially higher fatality rates, rapid intervention during the golden hour is critical. Because of this, it is essential for those who are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, such as pain in the chest, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the upper body, to seek quick medical assistance in order to make the most of the benefits the golden hour has to offer.

It is essential to emphasize that the phrase “golden hour” does not suggest that treatment administered beyond the initial sixty minutes is no longer effective. Even beyond the first hour, timely intervention is advantageous; nevertheless, the greatest influence on patient outcomes is noted when therapy is initiated as early as possible, ideally within the first hour of the beginning of symptoms.

23 Feb
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Delhi doctors use world’s smallest heart pump to save 70-years-old’s Life

NEW DELHI: A 70-year-old man, who had multiple calcified blockages in all three arteries of his heart and was suffering from multiple comorbidities including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and dyslipidemia, was given a new lease of life after doctors at Max hospital in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh used world’s smallest heart pump, an Impella device, to help maintain his blood flow during a high-risk protected angioplasty performed on him.

After six hours and stabilisation of the patient, the Impella device which is used to support the heart’s function during the critical procedures, was removed and the functioning of all his vital organs was normal. The patient was discharged after four days.

He has now recovered completely and is leading a normal life, with his heart functioning at 40 per cent, the doctors said.

“We did angioplasty even when all his three blood vessels were blocked and the heart functioning was at just 10 percent. Bypass surgeons had denied him surgery in 2022. The patient landed up with a blood pressure of just 80 systolic along with severe breathlessness and chest pain,” Dr. Naveen Bhamri, Director and HOD- Cardiology, Max Shalimar Bagh, said, adding that two complex angioplasty were performed within a span of 40 minutes only.

The uniqueness of this case was that four stents were implanted in the bifurcation region and it raised the patient’s heart function to 40 per cent.

“It reflects that his heart had a viable myocardium (heart muscles were alive) but his heart function dropped to 10 percent due to inadequate blood supply,” Dr Bhamri, explained, adding that Impella helped them in giving hemodynamic support (to maintain mean arterial pressure to ensure end-organ perfusion and decrease myocardial oxygen demand while maintaining or increasing the cardiac output) to do such a complex angioplasty.

According to doctors, Delhi-based Rajendra Kumar Basoya came to the hospital in a state of shock with complaints of shortness of breath along with chest pain from almost 10 days and was also underweight around 48kg.

“Upon investigation, we found that the patient had triple vessel disease with left main disease and calcified LAD diagonal and a heart function of 10% only,” the doctor said.

In such cases, CABG OR Bypass surgery (very high risk due to poor heart function and frail elderly) or Multi-vessel angioplasty with mechanical circulatory support is effective therapy as an alternative to surgical revascularization in selected patients with triple-vessel coronary artery disease.