Cardiovascular diseases – An insight. The epidemic of cardiovascular diseases has taken deep roots in India & many other developing countries. The burden of death due to coronary heart disease continues to increase & suitable preventive efforts are yet to make a significant impact. Now it is a well-known fact that coronary artery disease tends to occur earlier in life in Indians & is known to follow a malignant course. A study on projection which is based on global burden of diseases estimated that in the coming years India will have the maximum number of coronary artery disease patients in the 3rd & 4th decade of life. Apart from the life style of the modern day the atherogenic phenotype characteristic of Indians is said to be a major cause for this epidemic.
There are 3 main factors that need to be addressed are physical activity, smoking and aberrant diet. These 3 risk factors needs much emphasis. The other major risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, CDL or low density hypoprotein, truncal obesity are secondary manifestation of these defiant life styles and explains 90% of incidence of coronary artery disease worldwide.
Today the cardiovascular surgeon & the cardiologist play a major role in the treatment of coronary artery disease. The main symptom of this disease is chest pain which is central in origin & more than a pain it is a feeling of heaviness in the chest, sometimes radiating to the neck & to the left shoulder. Sometimes associated with sweating.
The cardiologists play a major role in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). A stress test or an angiogram is the main investigative modality. The biodegradable stents are used for stenting a single or a double vessel coronary artery. Patients who are not fit for surgery with renal problems & who are on dialysis, suffering from cancer, elderly patients, severely obese patients are some of the candidates for elective stenting.
The Bypass Surgery is the definitive approach for CAD & can last for a period of 20 years. Two modalities of Bypass Surgeries are available.
- On pump Bypass Surgery
- Off pump Bypass Surgery.
Both these procedures are safe & can be applied to select individuals based on the nature of the CAD. In youngsters total arterial revasculanisation using internal mammary artery & radial artery, is done frequently.
Message to the common man:
- Coronary artery disease is not curable but is preventable.
- Timely intervention is required.
- Life style alteration has to be done.
- Diagnosis & treatment of Hypertension & Diabetes at an earlier age is of paramount importance.
- Regular health checkup once in a year after the age of 40 year is a must.
Dr. Durgaprasad Reddy
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences & RC,
White field, Bangalore – 560066 Ph : 080-28413381/82/83
www.vims.ac.in
