Article on "THE MACHINE CALLED HEART" by Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Malar Hospital
- Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Malar Hospital
Heart diseases, that once targeted only the
older segment of the population, have now become common among everyone – from
the new-born, young women and the obese. Heart disease is no more confined to
only heart attacks and problems with the blood vessels. It now incorporates a
number of heart-related illnesses. Among them are the irregular contraction and
relaxation of the heart muscles, blocks in the blood vessels of the heart
valves, irregular blood flow, haemorrhage, problems related to the muscles that
surround the heart and insufficient supply of oxygen.
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| Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Malar Hospital |
It is the heart that pumps blood and oxygen to
the entire body. Pain occurs in the heart when there is insufficient flow of
blood and oxygen to the heart due to constricted blood vessels. This is what we
know as heart attack. There is a simple solution to this problem. As soon as you
notice the symptoms of heart attack or pain, it is very important to take rest.
Lying down for a while regulates the flow of blood and could save the person
from heart attack. If the pain persists even during the rest, the person needs
to seek medical assistance immediately.
Symptoms
Pain in the shoulder blade, back ache and
constant feeling of tiredness could be early symptoms of heart attack. Some
people mistake these for symptoms of gas trouble and ignore them. This
carelessness increases the occurrence of heart attack. Moreover, heart attack
begins in the chest and the pain spreads to the jaws, hands and the neck. Among
the symptoms of an oncoming attack are uneasiness, breathlessness, nausea,
excessive sweating, chilling of the body, and heartburn or pain.
Causes of heart diseases
Mental stress, increased blood sugar levels,
high blood pressure (over 140/90 mm Hg), anaemia, irregular eating habits,
excessive body weight, lack of physical
exertion, smoking, drinking, increased cholesterol in the blood, constantly
sitting for prolonged time, and changes in the oestrogen secretion level (for
women) are among the reasons that cause heart diseases.
Tests:
Among the specialised tests to identify heart
diseases are the C.P.K M.P. tests, which are used to test the level of Creatine
Phosphokinase enzyme, Echo cardiogram, treadmill tests, and angiogram and
nuclear scans.
Lifestyle changes:
Do not walk for prolonged distances. Avoid
climbing the stairs frequently. Exercise routine and short-distance walks are
necessary every day. Also, smoking and drinking must be avoided.
Dietary Restrictions
It’s constituents like rice, sugar, fat and oil
that give energy required by the body. Of these, it is advisable to reduce the
consumption of rice and sugar, and increase the intake of vegetables and
greens. You can continue consuming vegetables, greens, fruits, cereals and
pulses, and milk. Since they contain proteins, patients with kidney ailments
are requested to consult with their doctors before starting the medication.
One must avoid ingredients like clarified
butter, butter, Paneer, coconut oil, sweet potatoes, ice creams, chocolate,
pickles, coffee, the yolk of the egg, and chicken meat. Those with diabetes
must avoid eating mangoes and jackfruits.
First Aid:
If a person suffers a heart attack, make him sit
or lay down immediately. Do not sprinkle water on the face. Do not give solid
food for consumption. Give the person something to drink through the mouth,
only if he/she asks for it. You may also give him 350 ml Aspirin tablets. If
the patient loses consciousness, place your hand on the person’s left chest and
look for a heartbeat or a pulse. If the heartbeat is not felt, then keep the
hand on the left side of the person’s and press it down mildly. If the person
could lose consciousness, place your hand on the left side of the patient’s
chest and look for a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat at all, the place your
hand above the patient’s left breast and put some slight pressure on it. the
pressure must be given patiently. Excessive pressure could lead to the breaking
of the ribs and perforated lungs. Take the patient to a qualified doctor as
soon as possible.
Treatment:
If there are blocks in the blood vessels, then a
man-made stent could be placed through the angioplasty procedure, to remove the
block. Issues like hole in the heart, narrowing down of the valves, and the
swelling of the blood vessels can be addressed. For those with irregular
heartbeats, a man-made heartbeat regulator device, also known as Pacemaker,
could also be placed. Heart assist device could be planted for those with
dysfunctional hearts.
Dr. Sanjiv Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Interventional
Cardiologist, Fortis Malar Hospital
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