Bengaluru, 18th September 2024: It is increasingly important to highlight the need for raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases in India and advancing medical treatments to enhance heart health for all. This year’s world heart day theme is – “Use Heart for Action,”. It encourages individuals to take proactive steps in caring for their heart health, as emphasized by Dr. Sanjay Mehrotra, Senior Consultant at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences.
Cardiovascular diseases encompass a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart diseases such as aortic stenosis. Each type presents its own challenges and symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effectively managing these conditions.
“Recently, I treated Anil (name changed), an elderly gentleman who had previously been very active and in good health. However, he began experiencing shortness of breath during simple activities like gardening and walking around the house. His condition worsened to the point where he struggled to sleep due to difficulty in breathing while lying down. One day, he collapsed while descending the stairs. After being rushed to the hospital, Anil was diagnosed with aortic stenosis – a condition where one of the heart valves has narrowed. To restore proper heart function, Anil underwent a procedure called transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Remarkably, he was discharged the following day and soon resumed his normal activities,” explained Dr. Sanjay Mehrotra, Senior Consultant at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences.
Treatment for aortic stenosis (AS) depends on its severity and symptoms. For patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, doctors may recommend medication or lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of complications and advise regular monitoring through follow-up appointments and tests. Severe AS, however, requires surgical intervention. Technological advancements have made TAVI safer and more effective over the past decade, offering benefits such as shorter hospital stays, less pain, reduced blood loss, fewer infections, and faster recovery. Patients often return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. Researchers are also working on making the valves last longer, potentially expanding TAVI options to more patients, including younger individuals.
Despite ongoing advancements in medical care, cardiovascular diseases are increasingly being observed in younger populations. This rising prevalence underscores the need for continued vigilance and preventive measures. There is need to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and the importance of early intervention. Regular check-ups and screenings, especially for those with risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, are essential.
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