LET US LOVE OUR HEART
(A report by Subbaram Danda)
Heart is a willing worker doing its job ceaselessly
to our delight. It is our charming darling!
But are we taking good care of it ?
But are we taking good care of it ?
September 29 is World Heart Day. In observance of this occasion social organizations have been arranging, since a week, lectures and exhibitions to create awareness among the people about heart health. Newspapers and television channels were also on their toes. For the layman, several startling and interesting facts came to light on September 25, when Dr. V. Chockalingam, eminent cardiologist, made a presentation at a packed hall in Chennai.
Here is a snapshot:
· Even in a child of five years, fatty substances known as bad cholesterol start accumulating on the inner walls of arteries supplying blood to the heart. Silently and slowly, the build-up goes on for years, if left unchecked.
· Till the accumulation at any point, popularly called a block, is 70% of the diameter of the blood vessel, a person will not be able to feel it. When this limit is crossed, it starts showing up in the form of uneasiness or pain in the chest region. If this block obstructs blood flow, a heart attack occurs and can be fatal.
· Though genetic factors tend to contribute to heart ailments, they can be easily countered, it has now been established through research. A man need not get into despair, where his parents or close blood relatives have had an attack. Taking professional advice and following it up will surely help prevent its occurrence.
· Removal of cholesterol blocks through stenting and bypass surgery is not a permanent cure. Stenting is a procedure by which a block is removed by inserting and manoeuvring a balloon in the affected blood vessel. Bypass surgery is an operation, whereby blood vessels with blocked portions are replaced. Permanent cure can come about only through strict adherence to medical advice after the respective procedure.
· Blocks can be got rid of through medication without stenting or bypass surgery with timely medical advice, which will have to be strictly followed.
· There was a time when heart attacks were seen predominantly among the elderly. But now even youngsters in their 20s get affected. What is astonishing is that women, who were considered immune to heart attacks till their menopause in view of the play of hormones specific to them, are coming to clinics with heart ailments even in their youth.
· India has earned the dubious distinction of being the world’s capital for heart diseases and diabetes. But, the silver lining in the dark clouds is that this can be prevented.
· The human heart is created to work for 125 years. It beats 70 times a minute and about one lakh times a day. It does not take “rest” at all.
· What is to be done? Mental peace, proper eating habits and regular physical exercise together with medication where necessary will pamper the heart to function for more than 100 years.
· Mental peace can be achieved through meditation, remaining calm even under trying circumstances. Stressful situations should be overcome with a positive attitude towards men and matters. One should accept change. When an environment cannot be changed, man should adapt himself to the new environment. Anger is enemy number one of the heart. One should have a head for humour.
· Eating only when one feels hungry and that too only up to half the stomach is very important. Water should fill one quarter of the stomach and the rest should be empty. Fatty and junk foods should be avoided. Smoking and drinking are definitely a taboo. More and more vegetables and fruits should be consumed. Wherever possible they should be eaten with the skin on. But we remove the skin and throw it to animals. Consequently they become healthy and we lose our health!
· Exercise -- particularly walking, swimming or cycling for at least half an hour a day -- should become a habit. Healthy men should not hesitate to climb steps. At the same time, over exercise should be avoided.
Dr. Chockalingam, whose lecture was peppered with humorous anecdotes, has this to say in lighter vein:
· Are Indian marriage organizers friends and well-wishers of the invitees? In reality they do great disservice to the guests, though unintentionally, by throwing a feast with several sweets and a variety of other dishes. They all add to the build-up of cholesterol and sugar in the system. Beware!
· In a family, differences of opinion are sure to crop up, particularly among couples. Each should develop a broad mind to agree to disagree and adjust. Where the husband and wife tend to frown at each other, let them not go for a walk together at the same time and at the same place. Instead of helping, the stroll will only result in their blood pressure shooting up. Let them go for a walk but in the opposite direction!!
September 27, 2011
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