Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Oct 26: Keeping in view increased prevalence of cardiac ailments in elderly contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, Head Department of cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness-cum-health check up camp with Senior Citizen Rejuvenation Centre at Trikuta Nagar Jammu and educating them about adopting cardiac friendly lifestyle in all routine activities of life.
While delivering lecture, Dr Sushil stated that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among older adults worldwide, but the approach to preventing heart disease in elders has evolved significantly as medical science advances and life expectancy increases, the focus of healthcare has gradually expanded beyond simply treating disease to preventing it. “Previously, most cardiovascular risk prediction models were developed based on middle-aged populations, which made them less accurate for individuals over 70. Aging introduces changes in vascular stiffness, body composition, and immune response, making the elderly population biologically distinct. Today, preventive cardiology is shaped by personalized risk assessment tools, technology-assisted monitoring and improved medications that address the unique physiological and metabolic needs of aging individuals. These developments aim not only to prolong life but also to enhance its quality, independence and vitality,” Dr Sharma said.
He elaborated that to address this, newer tools such as the SCORE2-OP (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 – Older Persons) have been introduced. These tools are specially designed to evaluate cardiovascular risk in adults aged 70 and above. They incorporate parameters such as age-specific vascular aging patterns, frailty status, lifestyle factors, and comorbid conditions like diabetes or chronic kidney disease. This personalized assessment allows clinicians to identify who may benefit from more intensive preventive strategies and who may need a more conservative, comfort-oriented approach. It marks a major shift from generalized guidelines to individualized care. The focus has moved from aggressive risk-factor modification to creating realistic and safe health targets, ensuring that treatment supports both longevity and well-being. This flexibility acknowledges that the aim of preventive cardiology in older adults is not only to extend life but to retain dignity, independence, and emotional balance,” he added.
Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Pankaj Banotra and Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor. Paramedics and volunteers include kamal Sharma, Raghav Rajput, Rajkumar, Sanjay Singh, Makhan Sharma, Maninder Singh, Shubham Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.
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