GANGULY CAN RUN A MARATHON, FLY A PLANE: CARDIAC SURGEON SHETTY

KOLKATA: Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly can run a marathon and fly a plane as his heart is as strong as it was when he was 20-years-old, said renowned cardiac surgeon Devi Shetty after examining the BCCI president at a private hospital here on Tuesday. Shetty also requested Ganguly to influence sports bodies in the country so that “first-class” sportspersons go for mandatory cardiac and body check-up at least once in two years.

Ganguly, 48, was rushed to the hospital on Saturday after complaining of chest pain while working out in the gym. He underwent an angioplasty after three tiny blockages were detected in his coronary artery.

“This event will not affect his lifestyle or lifespan. He is going to lead a normal life like anybody else. Sourav can participate in a marathon, fly a plane or even get back to cricket if he wants without this event being any setback as his heart has not suffered any damage. He can start working from home as soon as he reaches home,” Shetty added.

Ganguly is expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday. He would be on oral medication and will be monitored by doctors and nurses on a daily basis at home. Doctors have advised him to undergo two more angioplasty for the other blockages after two to three weeks. “He has the option of both medication and angioplasty for the other blockages. It would be a good idea to go for an angioplasty in future. We have left it for him to decide. He can wait for two weeks and then take a call,” said Shetty.

The surgeon said the former skipper’s episode raised a question how a 48-year-old athletic man like Ganguly who doesn’t drink or smoke can suffer a heart attack. “Irrespective of how strict you are with lifestyle, irrespective of how athletic you are, you can still undergo a heart attack if you do not go for a preventive heart check-up at regular intervals,” he said. The episode could have been predicted years ago and prevented had Ganguly gone for check-ups.