Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 1: Highlighting age as an independent risk factor for the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases, Dr. Sushil Sharma, HoD Cardiology GMC Jammu apprised the retired employees and officers of PNB Bank at Jammu Club regarding various precautions and lifestyle modifications required to be taken at this stage of life.
“CVD is the most frequent diagnosis in elderly people and is the leading cause of death in both men and women older than 65 years of age. Hypertension occurs in one half to two thirds of people older than 65 years of age, and heart failure is the most frequent hospital discharge diagnosis. The profile of common cardiovascular diseases differs in older patients from that in younger patients. Systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure increases with aging. Symptoms like typical angina, dyspnea, nausea and vomiting, secondary MI, pulmonary edema and lack of angina based on sedentary life style due to co morbid conditions are common clinical manifestations of heart diseases,” Dr Sharma said.
The presentation was followed by an interactive session. Dr Sharma informed that dietary risks, high systolic blood pressure, air pollution, high lipid levels, tobacco, high fasting plasma glucose, high body mass index, low physical activity, occupational exposure to second hand smoke and alcohol consumption are the major risk factors for the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
He also exhorted the gathering to lay much emphasis on preventive aspect rather than to wait till the events turn uglier. “Thus, make it a habit to regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid control, inculcating good food habits, quit smoking, and do regular physical activity,” he added.
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