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Fast unto death!

Dr. Suman Bhandari speaks on cardiac problems

THE HEART OF THE MATTER More and more youngsters are getting affected by cardiac problems

When modern lifestyle is defined we come across common terms like fast cars, fast food, drinking and smoking habits, etc. Most times the list culminates withcardiac problems. "Owing to the kind of eating habits we Indians have, we are prone to cardiac problems in a great way. Also, because of the limited amount of exercise and physical work we do, these cardiac problems are inevitable. But then, can we just relax and take these cardiac problems as mere `lifestyle diseases'," questions Dr. Suman Bhandari, a senior consultant cardiologist at the Escorts Heart Institute. The pioneer of the `balloon angioplasty stent implantation surgery', Bhandari is a leading cardiologist and has done heart surgeries in Bangladesh and China as well.

He has recently been appointed as the editor of the Indian Heart Journal. He says that although the cardiac problems are predestined, and are expected to be there at an age of 70 plus, however it is a worrying trend that people below 50 are getting these health hazards. He holds one's lifestyle responsible for it. Also, he points out that too much of work, eating habits and less exercise lead to such a situation where there is a blockage in the arteries of the heart which ultimately leads to a cardiac arrest.

Comfort factor

The comforting thing, however, is that earlier the major operations like a bypass heart surgery were not possible in India, which are now possible in the metros and some other cities also.

According to him, these problems can be at best delayed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, where by we should modify our diet, taking more of grains, green vegetables, fruits, meat and other natural products. Also, we should give more time to ourselves, exercising and relaxing thereby keeping our body fit. He advises to go for routine medical checks so that the cardiac problems can be detected at an early stage and are cured early. The problem is serious but an important thing to note is that these hazards are a result of our own doings. We can do justice to ourselves by being conscious about our lifestyle. And according to Dr. Bhandari `giving time to yourself' is the mantra of leading a healthy and happy life.

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