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Women & Heart

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Alcohol & Heart Health

Obesity and Heart Disease

There is a significant increase in prevalence of overweight (BMI>25—29kg/m 2 ) and obese persons (>30kg/m 2 ) in the world both in adults and children. It is associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases resulting in shorter life span. Approximately 30% of US population overweight & 13% are obese What is the relation of obesity to medical problem? Obesity is diagnosed by calculating body mass index (BMI) which is related to body weight and height BMI=Wt. (in kg.)/Ht. (m 2 ) It results in increase Heart attacks and stroke which is due to increased prevalence of High BP, Diabetes, Insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome) and lipid disorder. Sleeping disorder (snoring or obstructive sleep apnea is also strongly associated with obesity). Obesity results in increased inflammation (Positive high sensitive CRP) of  blood vessel wall and also clotting factors. Sudden death in heart patient is also more common in obese patient. Can weight loss off

Alcohol & Heart

“WHETHER WINE IS NOURISHMENT, MEDICINE OR POISON, IS A MATTER OF DOSE” PARACELUS – GERMAN PHYSICIAN Relationship of alcohol to cardiovascular disease is complex. It is known that a alcoholic (addicted to alcohol) or heavy drinkers can shorten his life by 15-20 yrs., because of increased cardiovascular disease. Liver (cirrhosis, hepatitis) disease, neurological problem & accident etc. Where as a moderate drinkers can derive benefits from alcohol. Q1.        Is it true that those who consume moderate quantity of alcohol – have less heart attack? Yes. There is a strong evidence from research and clinical trials, that if a healthy man or a person with risk factors for cardiovascular disease consume small to moderate quantity of alcohol can have 20-30% less chances of heart attack and stroke in both men & women. Q2.         Who is a moderate drinker? Moderate drinker is a one who consumes 2 small drink of hard liquor (1 ounce each) like — whisky, Gin

Women & Heart Disease

1.         Is heart disease is less common in women?               No. In fact more women die because of cardiovascular diseases           (Heart attack & Stroke) than men. Cancer of uterus, breast, ovary etc. is perceived on major health problem for women which is actually 1/8 th of the total cardiovascular mortality in them. Initial manifestation of Heart disease is generally 10 years later then men. 2.         Why Heart disease a common in women?            Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, and sedentary habits are more prevalent in postmenopausal women then men. Diabetes is a stronger risk factor for Heart attack in women. Presence of Diabetes neutralizes the protective effect of premenopausal  status of younger women. 3.         Are symptoms of Heart Attack different in women?           Yes. Atypical presentation of ‘gas’ like symptoms, heart burn, jaw pain, shoulder pain, back pain are more common them typical chest pain. They have more co mo

Statins and New guidelines – Are they relevant to Indian Population

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart association (AHA) established new guidelines for the treatment of b lood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in adults . Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) includes coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. These recommendations are based on careful consideration of higher quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs.   Important Points The expert panel acknowledged the absence of clinical trial data that support treatment to specific low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C goals. The guideline identifies four major groups of patients for whom cholesterol-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, have the greatest chance of preventing stroke and heart attacks. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to prevent and control high blood chole

Exercise and Heart disease

Regular exercise reduces heart attack by 30% as evidence has come from  different clinical trials. A)   How exercise reduces heart attack? a)             It improve lipid abnormalities, like reduces triglycerides, increases HDL- cholesterol (good cholesterol) and reduce small dense LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) b)             Improves Insulin sensitivity thereby prevents the onset of diabetes and controls the sugar levels in diabetic population. c)             Controls BP. – reduces systolic BP by 4-6mm & Diastolic BP by 2-4mm. d)             Reduces body weight by burning calories – reduces obesity. e)             Improve function of inner lining of blood levels and prevents atheroma (clogging of vessels) f)              Reduces depression & stress level. B)       How much exercise one should do? It has been recommended that one should do brisk walk for at least 30-45’ for at least 5 days a weak (WHO guide lines) C)       What are types of