Heart diseases are on the high rise these days. Especially after covid, heart health becomes very important. In this relation, we are conducting a Heart Health Awareness Series at Medicircle. We would like people to be aware of heart health and how to bring about changes in their lifestyle for a healthy heart. India is the diabetes capital of the world and this shows that many people are prone to heart issues. 

Dr. Tabassum Khan is a renowned Cardiologist in Mumbai and currently practicing at BSES Hospital, Mumbai. For the past 20 years, she has worked as an Interventional Cardiologist. 

Heart disease in men and women

Dr. Tabassum Khan says, “Women tend to neglect health and symptoms by trying to solve it with home remedies. This is noticed especially in India. Women have different sets of heart symptoms as compared to men. There are non-specific symptoms in females for heart issues like- 

• Breathlessness 
• Getting tired easily 
• Symptoms affecting daily routine 

It is important to consult a doctor in such cases. My message to all women here is - Do not neglect symptoms and consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis.”

Excessive Workouts and Heart Disease

Dr. Tabassum Khan says, “ Younger generation has irregular lifestyles with eating habits, sleeping habits, and higher stress levels. This harms health. Many think that working out can help us stay healthy. Just working out is not important, you need to check other habits in your lifestyle as well. These are as follows - 

• Smoking 
• Drinking 

These things along with heavy workouts can overload the heart and cause more issues. “

Healthy Heart Eating Plan 

Dr. Tabassum Khan informs, “Healthy Heart Eating Plan has many different diet plans like - 

• Intermittent fasting 
• Keto diet 
• Vegan diet 

A simple method to follow this is - 

• Avoid oily food 

• Include green vegetables in the diet 

• Use the minimal quantity of goods 

• Avoid red meat

• Check your lipid profiles 

• Consume fiber, pulses.”

Regular diagnosis and early detection to save heart

Dr. Tabassum Khan says, “Initially, it was advised that when you cross 40 years of age, you should check for the following diagnostic test manually. 

• Thyroid levels 
• Lipid profiles 

Now, heart issues have been seen in the younger generation, so it is advisable to get it done early as well. Now, the younger generation needs to do the- 

• ECG test 
• Stress test 
• ECHO test 

This gives insights about the future health disease.” 

Female-specific disorders risk women heart disease 

Dr. Tabassum Khan states, “In females, apart from disorder, the oral contraceptive consumption causes an increase in thickness or viscosity of blood. This may increase the chances of the following- 

• Stroke 
• Heart issues
• Blood clot formation

Young females should be careful about contraception and should also do the following test as follows- 

• Thyroid test - This is very common in females 
• Low Hb- which causes anemia. This can cause heart pressure and issues 
• Hormonal imbalance may affect the heart
• Menses issues 
• Consumption of contraception. 

This requires heart monitoring.” 

Rapid fire (Answer in form of Yes/No) -

Dr. Tabassum Khan states-

“a. The combination of smoking and taking birth control pills increases the risk of heart diseases- YES, Smoking and birth control pills increase the risk of heart issues. 

b.   Depression makes Heart disease worse- Depression affects every body part. Psychological well-being is very important. Depression problems have increased over the years. People diagnosed with depression cannot express their problems. It may show up with heart issues as future complications. This may cause a delay in heart issues. An increase in thinking may cause heart problems. It is a double edge sword. It is difficult to tackle such patients.

 c.   You should avoid exercise if you have heart disease- Do not avoid exercise in case of heart disease. Exercise should be done in moderation. Change your lifestyle first and then hit the gym- This is my advice for youngsters. For elderly patients, start walking for 20 mins and gradually increase your stamina. Yoga and exercise are important for mental and physical well-being.”

Message from expert 

Dr. Tabassum Khan states, “There are many things to take care of- 

• Stress levels 
• Symptoms affecting daily activity 
• Consult doctor 
• Check your heart 
• Lifestyle changes are a must 
• Eat healthily 
• Avoid smoking and alcohol 
• Do not neglect health 
• Check sugar levels
• Take proper treatment 
• Check for blood pressure 
• Do not stop taking any medicines without consulting a doctor.”