HEART ATTACK

                                                                 (TIME IS MUSCLE}

ANGINA

                        WORLD HEART DAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2022

A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.

Symptoms include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back or arms, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat and anxiety. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms than men.

Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation to medication, stents and bypass surgery.

                                  Modern lifestyle is taking a toll on young hearts

 Introduction

Prioritizing heart health is a must

Heart disease  is claiming young victims in India especially during the pandemic. Modifications in lifestyle. a steady routine and a focus on health can stop and reverse this trend.

Silent epidemic afflicting a forth of India's population and responsible for third of  all deaths, heart diseases is increasingly claiming the young. We are regularly shaken by the news of young and seemingly healthy Indianan's succumbing to  heart diseases and cardiac arrest. we mourn the early loss of life, but largely return to following the same unhealthy lifestyle that increases the incidence of heart diseases. One of the answer is Covid 19. As Covid 19  is known to cause myocarditis (inflammation of  the heart muscles)Weakening of heart muscles causing arrhythmias (irregularity of heart rhythm) and sudden cardiac arrest (SDA)There are long standing ramifications of long Covid during which time  inflammation of the heart, besides the body lingers on for weeks to months.

Many people starts exercising in the vulnerable period and end up with cardiac arrest-indicating that while outward symptoms may subside, the effect of myocarditis, and how it effect the body, need to be monitored even when(and after) a person test negative for the infection.

This was particularly acute in Delta wave that swept across through India last year 2021 with at least 51-20% Covid patients showing signs that  the virus affected  their heart functions.. This included in people in their 30s, an age group that usually doesn't develop heart ailments(and were relatively unaffected during the first wave of Covid 19). Patient with the history of heart related illness, bypass surgeries or with stents in their hearts sought medical help for severe symptoms after they tested positive. But in some cases, patient with no pre-existing history of cardiac ailment were also affected. Therefore anybody contracting the infection would do well to  undergo a series of specifically tailored test to check the condition of their heart even after the symptoms disappear and they test negative-especially if they aim to undergo strenuous physical exercise.

But Covid 19  alone cannot be blamed for the surge in cardiac deaths among younger people. We must remember that even though there is a  lot oof evidence on the long Covid syndrome's effort on cardiovascular health, the scientific findings are still in the early stages. Such deaths have been happening for a few decades and the pandemic has only exacerbated  this trend. Indicating that  the way our lifestyle is evolving is dangerous.

The major cardiac risk factors :

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol (very high level of bad cholesterol)
• Obesity
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Irregular eating pattern
• Use of body building drugs
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Genetic make up
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet

Each of these increases person's risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, sudden cardiac arrest and arrythmias (irregular heart beat) Add to this list our genetic make up. 

The Thrifty gene hypothesis says that  certain population survived famines by storing fat, giving them an evolutionary advantage. This could predispose us to  heart problems at least 10 years before our western counterparts. So if the average age of developing a heart disease for Americans is 70, an Indian is likely to develop it by 50. This figure however, still not explain how an increasing number of men and women in their 30's and 40's are developing heart disease. For this , we must observe our teenagers. Sustain rise in the number of children who are obese and hypertensive pointing to the

•  Role of  the calorie rich diets 
• Sedentary stressful lives.
• Pandemic have also contributed to as it restrained children indoors, disrupted school sporting activities and increased screen time.
• Genetic

There are 25% chance of a person developing heart disease if one of the patents has it too.. If no parents has cardiac history, but multiple second line of relatives do then also the risk is high. especially when coupled with environmental and lifestyle factors. In such cases, even the young must approach a cardiologist and be evaluated against the matrix of heart health parameters to assess their 10 year risk besides being prescribed a preventive plan. While there is little that can be done about non modifiable risk factors. Lifestyle modifications can stop  and reverse heart disease and thus improving the quality of life and long term health outcomes.

The foremost recommendation is

• Not to chew or smoke tobacco or vape.(a device used for inhaling vapor containing nicotine and flavoring.)
• The young must remember to stay active. The human body was designed to move. It starts ageing very rapidly when we don't put it to use.
• Habit of consuming tasty  or processed food over healthy food to beat stress and obesity and diabetes become inevitable. They hit the heart by damaging the nerves and blood vessels that are further squeezed by hypertension.
• Build habits slowly and be consistent.
• Exercise at least thrice a week for 30 minutes.
• Do yoga.
• But if you get lazy call it a day with Pranayama  and meditation.
• If you are stressed and over worked, remember to breath deeply, even it is for five minutes
• What ever you do do it for everyday.

40 IS THE NEW 70 WHEN IT COMES TO HEART ATTACK

Recently there have been sudden and unprecedented surge in deaths related heart attacks or acute myocardial infarctions- especially among those under the age of 40. The major reasons for this surge are the early onset of high blood pressure or prehypertension. Pre diabetic or diabetes and higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDH) with low levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Thanks to the convenience of technology, and our modern lifestyle. Indians are leading more inactive lives than ever. Modern lifestyle has put people under constant stress thereby severely damaging major organs and thus, leading to episodes of heart attack. This is evident from the recent episodes of some so called  fit actors and celebrities who have succumbed to heart attack.

“Keeping diabetes and blood pressure in control can definitely prevent the onset  of heart disease.”

There has been a noticeable upsurge in such cases. 30% of all heart attack pattern admitted to the hospital are under 40 years of age. This noticeable rise in heart disease in young adults is mainly due to

·       Obesity

·       Strong genetic predisposition to blockages in the small arteries of the heart

·       Smoking

·       Work and non-work-related stress

·       An unhealthy diet

·       Lack of sufficient physical activity.

·       High intake of salt

·       Regular consumption of processed and packed food.

·       And most importantly ignorance and unawareness about the impact of a heart attack on the longevity and the quality of one’s life.

Symptoms

The typical symptoms of an impending heart attack are

·       Chest tightness

·       discomfort radiating to the arms or jaw

·       Difficulty in breathing

·       Profuse sweating

·       Women can have atypical presentation like abdominal pain

·       Nausea

·       Extreme fatigue or dizziness with uneasiness.

To save the heart muscle, time is crucial and the hour following an attack is the most decisive one. Commonly referred to as the GOLDEN HOUR, this is the period when early recognition of symptoms and an immediate save from further heart damage. A rapid opening of the blocked artery is undertaken through a procedure called primary angioplasty that improves outcomes.

The concept of golden hour is crucial to understand because an undiagnosed and untreated heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest with only a 10% to 15% survival rate—and that too with residual low heart function and neuro cognitive dysfunction, ultimately affecting physical and psychological wellbeing.

Cardiologist believed that uncontrolled high blood pressure among young people will inevitably lead to an increase in cardiovascular disease and strokes. Despite busy schedule, experts’ advice that this vulnerable population get themselves evaluated annually.

On world Heart Day, which falls on Sept 29, 2022, get complete body checkup. Young people should shift to healthy lifestyles, practice yoga and meditation regularly. Increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. And stay away from smoking and drugs. It’s also advised that young people do around45 minutes of exercise daily. And sleep for at least 6-7 hours. Further keeping diabetes and blood pressure in control can prevent the onset of heart disease at a young age.

                                      “PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE.”

 

To prevent a heart attack, it is important to be aware of the risk factors involved in developing blockages in the heart’s arteries and to diagnose a SILENT HEART DISEASE through some easy OPD tests after consulting a cardiologist

Yoga techniques for cardiac health

Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT)

MSRT is a yoga based relaxation technique that involves chanting with your eye closed. It is effective in reducing stress level.

Triangle pose (Trikinasana)

This pose creates a deep  stretch in the body while also stretching out the breathing muscle . Stretching has a beneficial impact as it reduces arterial stiffness and improves blood flow.

Triangle pose Trikonasana ( त्रिकोणासन  )        
                                                       

                                         

                                             
 : In this, stand back to a wall and separate the feet. Now walk the left foot about a couple of inches, while maintaining your balance. Now, stretch the arms horizontally while turning the right foot perpendicular to the left. Maintain the arm in an outstretched position and breathe for about half a minute. Straightened up and do the same for opposite side.
Benefit : 

• Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles.
• Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine.
• Stimulates the abdominal organs.
• Helps relieve stress.
• Improves digestion.
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Deep Relaxation Technique (DRT)

This is done at the end of yoga practice in the corpse position. It is a form of body scan wherein you induce relaxation through guided instructions. It helps prevent disease caused by stress.

●   Copse Pose Savasana (शवासन)

Technique : 

1. Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms relaxed at your sides. Let your feet fall to a natural position and rest your palms facing up. Close down your eyes.
2. Breathe naturally.
3. Allow your body to feel heavy on the ground.
4. Begin to release each part of your body, organ and cell, consciously working from the soles of your feet to the crown of your head.
5. Relax your face, feeling your eyes drop into your sockets and the softening of your jaw.
6. Tune in. If your mind starts to wander, bring your awareness to the sounds around you and then try to find the most distant sound until you find the sound closest to you. Then tune into your breath. Once we acknowledge the sounds from outside, the mind is more able to let go.
7. To exit the pose, gently bring your awareness back to your body. Start to wriggle your fingers and toes. With your eyes closed, draw your knees in and slowly roll over to your left or right side. Rest there for a moment and with an inhale, find a comfortable seated position.
8. Take the peace and stillness found in this pose with you for the rest of your day.

Benefit :

• Calms central nervous system, aiding the digestive and immune systems.
• Calms the mind and reduces stress.
• Reduces headache, fatigue and anxiety.
• Helps lower blood pressure.
• Promotes spiritual awakening and awareness of higher consciousness.

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Child's Pose (Shashankasana)

This is great posture to relive stress and anxiety. It can be practiced when you are feeling tired, fatigued or exhausted after an intense exercise regime.

 ● Rabbit Pose Shashankasana   (शशांकासन)          

                                           

  

                                                                       

Technique : Sit in Vajrasana, both your palms should Keep your neck and spinal cord straight.
Take a deep breath and without allowing the elbow to bend, bring your hands above your shoulders. Equal distance should be maintained between your arms with your fingers raised.
Slowly exhale and reach down to touch the ground with your head and both your hands. Relax when the forehead and palms touch the ground. Some areas of the chest and abdomen will rest on the thighs. To finish, you should exhale and place your palms on your knees.
Benefits :

• Helpful in getting rid of constipation.
• Release the stress from spinal vertebrae.
• Leads to the well functioning of adrenal glands.
• Stretches the back muscles making them stronger.
• Enhances the health of both male and female reproductive organs.
• Tones and massages the muscles of the pelvic region and sciatica nerve.

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

This is a gentle backbend that is not only beneficial for the heart but also one's posture. This asanas helps to open and stretch the front of the body, which in turn enables one to breath better. Good breathing helps  with over all health.

●    Bridge Pose / Chakrasana  Setu Bandhasana (सेतू बंदासन )

                                                    

                                               

Benefits : 

• Good for first chakra.
• Stretches the chest, neck, spine, and hips.
• Strengthens the back, buttocks, and hamstrings.
• Improves circulation of blood.
• Helps alleviate stress and mild depression.
• Calms the brain and central nervous system.
• Stimulates the lungs, thyroid glands, and abdominal organs.
• Improves digestion.
• Energies the kidneys and soothes the nervous system. It helps to regulate the blood pressure.

  Caution : Osteoporosis people should take the advice of doctor before doing yoga.

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