World Heart Day is celebrated and organized by the World Heart Federation. This day is celebrated to inform people on cardiovascular diseases which are the biggest cause of death. The day highlights the ways in which CVDs can be prevented. CVDs cause the death of 17.9 million people globally every year. 

In 2016, CVDs contributed to 28.1 percent of the total deaths, as compared to 15.2 percent in 1990. Furthermore, in Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the prevalence of CVDs is at least 5000 per 100,000 people. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh are the only two states where the prevalence of CVDs is less than 3,000 per 100,000 people.

It is estimated that 80% of premature death from a stroke can be prevented. On the occasion of World Heart Day, we at Medicircle, are conducting an exclusive awareness series wherein we will be featuring experts of this field to understand and create awareness about heart diseases and how to effectively cure them.

Dr. Anirban Biswas is a renowned diabetologist from Delhi with an overall experience of 18+ years. He has treated 20,000+cases across countries worldwide. He is also named in Limca Group of Health records 2015. He completed his MBBS from MGM Medical College and Hospital in 2002. After MBBS, Dr. Anirban Biswas completed his MD - General Medicine from Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa in 2005. Dr. Anirban Biswas currently practices at Biswas Heart and Mind Clinic, CR PARK in Delhi. 

Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease

Dr. Anirban Biswas says, “Coronary Artery Disease is ever-increasing leading to death and disability. There are eight causes of Coronary Artery disease- 

Unmodifiable factors

Genetic which is an unmodifiable factor  Aging- CAD increases with age  Ethnicity- CAD is more prone to South- Asian countries, more prevalent in India 

Modifiable factors 

Lifestyle changes  Sedentary life Laziness  Lack of physical movement  Smoking and drinking alcohol  Unhealthy food  High cholesterol levels  Diabetes  Blood pressure.” 

Smoking and alcohol cause adverse issues on heart 

Dr. Anirban Biswas says, “Some wines which are fruit-based and plant-based have effective polyphenols which have protective mechanisms. Consuming too much alcohol can cause adverse effects on the heart. Alcohol causes liver damage. The liver helps in the metabolism of fat which gets affected due to alcohol. Due to alcohol, the liver won't be able to work properly which can cause fat deposits in arteries causing atherosclerotic plaque which is called Chronic Atherosclerotic disease. We avoid oxidized radicals which can cause an increase in oxidation problems. This causes the bad cholesterol to stick in the arteries of the heart and can lead to blockage.”

Treatment for cardiovascular diseases 

Dr. Anirban Biswas says, “Treatment is better than cure. This is an age-old saying and we should believe in the same. As far as age and genetics are concerned, they are nonmodifiable factors that cannot be changed. Lifestyle changes and diet can be modified accordingly. The other health problems like blood pressure and diabetes should be taken care of. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided. Try to quit smoking if you're addicted. Go for regular health checkups for heart health after the age of 30 years. The major four issues to treat are - 

Diabetes  Cholesterol  Blood pressure  Obesity

Controlling these factors with lifestyle changes and medications will lower cardiac risk.“

Diet modifications to reduce heart diseases

Dr. Anirban Biswas says, “The diet modifications are -

Stick to homemade traditional food  Food should be organic and unadulterated  Avoid oily and spicy foods Keep food simple  Consume fruits and vegetables  Avoid packaged food, like bread, frozen foods that are high in salt  Avoid trans fat  Avoid outside meals  Eat healthily  Do not take the stress  Avoid smoking and alcohol. "

(Edited by- Dr.Rati Parwani)