Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: The Department of Cardiology, Government Medical College, Jammu today observed World Heart Day at Super Specialty Hospital. The event was attended by Heads of different Departments and faculty members of GMC Jammu, Graduates and Post Graduates, nurses, technicians and paramedical staff of the CCU Cath Lab under the theme of ‘Creating a Heart Healthy Environment’.
Principal Government Medical College Jammu Dr Ghanshyam Dev and Dr Mohan Lal, (Senior Cardiologist) also spoke on the occasion.
Dr Arvind Kohli, Cardiothoracic Surgeon highlighted the importance of healthy environment for a healthy heart. He also stressed upon that a person should take care of his own heart himself and extend similar care to his family members.
The Coordinator of the event, Dr Sushil Sharma, Head of Cardiology at GMC Jammu pointed out that Indians are worsening their risk for heart diseases with poor physical activity, a high-fat diet and by steadily shunning fruits and vegetables.
Claiming 17.3 million lives per year, cardiovascular disease, which comprised of heart disease and stroke, is the number one killer worldwide. It claims more than the total deaths (3.86 million deaths per year) due to malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis put together.
In fact, Dr Sharma said, the risk for heart disease is found to be higher in Indians than in US and Western Europe. In India too, cardiovascular disease is the largest cause of mortality, leading to 1.7-2.0 million deaths annually.
Dr Sharma also utilized this opportunity to emphasize the importance of creating a healthy heart environment at places where you work, live and play
” The majority of risk factors for CAD can be improved by lifestyle modification. Remember that modest changes in diet, weight, and exercise can have a big impact on cardiac risk. A heart-healthy lifestyle should be encouraged from youth, but even changes later in life lead to important benefits” he added
To best combat heart disease in India, according to Dr Sharma, there needs to be a comprehensive approach, which will require improvements in basic amenities, healthcare facilities and, perhaps most importantly, education that will enable people to take responsibility for their own actions.
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