Women, youngsters, and heart health: Cardiologists call for action to combat rising heart disease trends at TOI Medithon Part 2

In

TOI Medithon

Part 2, healthcare professionals came together to discuss and promote heart health awareness. The event emphasized the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of cardiovascular diseases, which remain a leading global health concern.
Keynote speakers included renowned cardiologists who shared insights on managing heart diseases through lifestyle changes and minimalistic medical interventions.
With its blend of scientific expertise and actionable advice, the TOI Medithon part 2 proved to be a vital platform for advancing heart health awareness and solutions.

Session 1: Strategies to Prevent Heart Diseases: Know Your Numbers
Dr.

Praveen Chandra

, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon, highlighted the crucial role of lifestyle changes in maintaining heart health. “Most heart diseases stem from unhealthy lifestyle choices,” he explained, emphasizing the need for consistent physical activity, healthy eating habits, and moderation in the use of oils and ghee. Dr. Chandra advocated for incorporating 30 minutes of daily exercise and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, recommending the traditional Indian thali as a balanced option for a healthy heart.

Dr. PK Hazra, Head of the Cardiology Department and Director of the Cardiac Cath Laboratory at Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata, discussed the detrimental effects of stress on heart health. “Stress can significantly impact your life and reduce your lifespan,” he noted, adding that the combination of stress, co-morbid conditions, and insomnia exacerbates health risks. Dr. Hazra underscored the critical importance of quality sleep in maintaining overall well-being.
Dr. Jaspal Arneja, Chief and Director of the Cath Lab at Arneja Heart Institute, Nagpur, emphasized the role of weight management in preventing heart diseases. “Preventing obesity is essential, not just for heart health but also to mitigate risks of diabetes and sleep apnea,” he stated, highlighting the broader implications of maintaining a healthy weight.
Session 2: Heart Disease and youngsters Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
The growing prevalence of heart issues among younger individuals has become a pressing concern, as highlighted by experts at the TOI Medithon part 2. They discussed lifestyle-related causes and preventive measures to address this alarming trend.
Dr.

Sanjay Mehrotra

, Senior Consultant and Interventional Cardiologist at Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore, pointed to the increasing number of heart patients in their 30s. “We now see at least a couple of such cases every week,” he said, attributing the rise to lifestyle diseases.
Dr. P.K. Goel, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, echoed similar concerns. He attributed the surge in heart attacks among youngsters to lifestyle changes, emphasizing the harmful impact of fast food, lack of exercise, and even excessive exercise.
Dr. Jagdish Hiremath, Director of the Cath Lab at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, advocated for a minimalistic approach to heart health. “Common sense is key—focus on the basics: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from tobacco,” he advised, stressing simple yet effective preventive measures.
Session 3: Heart Disease in Women: the known and the unknown Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
Experts at the Medithon shed light on the often-overlooked issue of heart health in women, emphasizing rising risks and the need for increased awareness.
Dr. Aditya Kapoor, Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiology at Sanjay Gandhi PGIMS, Lucknow, stated that women are as predisposed to heart diseases as men. “Global data shows heart disease is advancing in women faster than in men,” he noted, highlighting the growing concern.
Dr.

Vinayak Agarwal

, Senior Director and Head of Clinical Cardiology & Cardiac Imaging at Fortis Gurugram (FMRI), stressed the lack of awareness about heart diseases among Indian women. He emphasized the need for education and outreach to address this critical gap.
Dr. P.V. Raghava Sarma, Chief Cardiologist and Managing Director at Lalitha Super Specialities Hospital, Guntur, detailed the risk factors specific to women. “Diabetes, hypertension, alcohol, smoking, and being overweight are significant risks,” he explained. He also noted that only 50% of women experience distinct heart attack pain, compounded by their high tolerance capacity, which often delays diagnosis and treatment.
The discussion concluded with a call for action to prioritize women’s heart health through education, early diagnosis, and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Session 4: Managing Heart Disease Amazing Heart, Amazing Life with Expert Insights
Experts at the TOI Medithon part 2 shared valuable insights into post-coronary care, heart disease risk factors, and life-saving measures to address heart attack symptoms effectively.
Dr.

Ranjan Shetty

, Head of Department and Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, emphasized the importance of resuming normal life after coronary interventions. “It is important for people to go back to their normal life after a coronary intervention,” he said, stressing recovery and rehabilitation as crucial aspects of heart health.
Dr. D. Prabhakar, Preventive Interventional Cardiologist at Ashwin Clinic, Apollo First Med Hospitals, Chennai, highlighted four major risk factors that weaken the heart: smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. He underscored the need for awareness and proactive management of these conditions to prevent heart diseases.
Dr. Manoj Chopda, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman of Magnum Group of Hospitals, Nashik, provided practical tips to mitigate risks during a heart attack. He stressed the importance of acting swiftly within the critical 2-3 golden hours. “Do not move if you notice symptoms, take Disprin immediately, and have ambulance numbers handy for quick response,” he advised, emphasizing timely medical intervention.
The session reinforced the need for awareness, timely action, and lifestyle modifications to reduce the burden of heart diseases and improve outcomes.
Watch TOI Medithon Part 2 here