From avoiding sugar to managing stress: Ways to keep the heart healthy

Hospitals across the city have been witnessing a spike in the number of people lining up for heart evaluation ever since the demise of Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar last Friday due to a massive cardiac arrest. Doctors, however, believe that this is only a knee-jerk reaction.

The Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, which normally sees about 1200 patients, now has over 1650 patients coming for heart evaluation. Interestingly, many of the patients who had come for tests and consultations were youngsters. Similarly, doctors at the Apollo Hospital in Seshadripuram say that heart-related inquiries have increased and many are calling to fix an appointment for heart evaluation.

Dr Anand Subramanyam, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Apollo Hospital, said that inquiries on consultation and checkups among youngsters in the last few days are attributed to the panic post young actor Puneeth's sudden death.

Dr Anand said that in the case of some patients, an unhealthy diet and family history develop blocks in the heart. To prevent this, one has to lead a good lifestyle and manage a diet and cut down on red meat. The doctor also suggests that one needs to avoid sugar and carbohydrates, and should have a healthy sleep and manage stress. He also pitched for avoiding or minimizing alcohol.

Dr Anand, while speaking to Asianet Newsable, asked people not to take lightly symptoms like acidity, indigestion and discomfort while walking and climbing steps as this could prove fatal. He said one must get simple non-invasive tests. The surgeon also stressed that people should not delay approaching doctors if they have any discomfort.

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