Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Vascular diseases: blame them on lifestyle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Increased use of tobacco and alcohol, conditions of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and physical inactivity, along with change in demographic pattern, are leading to increasing incidence of vascular diseases in the State.

These issues were deliberated upon when the Vascular Society of India (VSI) joined hands with the vascular wing of the Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery Department of the Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to observe August 6 as Vascular Day. As part of the observance, awareness programme for public and quiz programme for postgraduate students were organised at the Achutha Menon Centre.

Escalation in vascular diseases is attributed to the frenetic pace of modern day life, and the consequent stress.

The predominant cause of illness is identified as atherosclerosis or the hardening of coronary arteries. As many as 75 per cent of vascular diseases is due to atherosclerosis. Smoking, consumption of alcohol, over-eating, obesity and physical inactivity coupled with diabetes and hypertension are found to enhance atherosclerosis, says M. Unnikrishnan, Professor of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, SCTIMST.

Enlargement or excessive dilation (aneurysm) and blockade of vessels with fat and cholesterol are two major vascular diseases involving the ‘pure blood vessels.’ Aneurysm eventually ruptures threatening life. Arterial blockade leads to malfunction of organ leading to stroke, heart attack, renal failure and cramps.

Aortic aneurysms are generally silent producing symptoms only when they grow to more than 5 cm in diameter from their normal dimension of 1.5-2 cm. Backache is common symptom of aneurysm but is often left unattended and undiagnosed.

A healthy diet, increased physical activity, regular exercise, good sleep and a disciplined approach to life will help prevent vascular diseases, says Dr. Unnikrishnan.

Endovascular interventions form a major therapeutic strategy giving only minimal discomfort to the patients.

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