Empower the Heart Hero within us- Make the Heart Promise with Lanka Hospitals
Heart disease is a terrorist, causing terror and wreaking havoc for the unsuspecting. A hero resides within an individual, and it needs to be awakened. The theme for World Heart Day richly backs the need for prevention and this can be achieved by becoming a heart hero, by making a promise to someone you love or care about - A promise to eat more healthily, to be more active, to say no to smoking. Consultant, Cardiologist and Immediate Past President of the Sri Lanka Heart Association Dr. M.R. Mubarak gave his specialized insight regarding the vitality of combating against the terror that is heart disease.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WORLD HEART DAY?
The core objective is raising the awareness needed in the prevention of heart diseases. Every year the last Sunday of September is declared as the World Heart Day by the World Heart Federation. This is a nongovernmental organization comprising more than 100 heart associations and societies involved in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer. Cardiovascular disease includes the heart attacks and strokes. Annually, more than 17.9 million souls fall victim due to this condition globally. It claims the lives of nearly 1/3 of the entire global population. Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for about 40% of deaths in Sri Lanka. The death toll exceeds the amounts who fall victims due to cancers, HIV and all other infections. The awareness should be enhanced, and everyone should be vigilant, since anyone is prone to fall victim, especially our most beloved.
WHAT ARE THE IDENTIFIED RISK FACTORS?
Most important to note is 80% of these deaths can be prevented. Unlike certain diseases, the risk factors can be identified in advance, and preventive steps can be taken to avoid the threats imposed by these risk factors. The general misconception is the fact that heart attacks are more predominant within the older generation. That was the case in the past, but now, younger individuals have been known to fall victim. This new trend, is the result of the change in our present lifestyle.
The major risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, unhealthy dietary practices, lack of exercise due to our sedentary lifestyle, obesity and stress. Most of these factors are interrelated and they are directly related to our lifestyle.
WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR PREVENTION?
It doesn’t cost much to prevent heart diseases; it’s the cure which a person needs to fear. Little changes to our lifestyle can create a big difference. We only need little motivation. It starts with eating a balanced diet, undertaking regular exercises and saying no to alcohol and smoking. These minor adjustments will ultimately give us the benefit. If not we run the risk of getting inflicted with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.
In a survey done among individuals within the age group 18-69 in Sri Lanka, it was discovered that a significant population is engaged in smoking. Nearly 30% of males are found to be smokers. Smoking is gender neutral, for even females are discovered to be engaged in this practice. 25% have high blood pressure. 1/3 of the population are overweight or obese and 1/4 have elevated cholesterol. Nearly 10% of the population have diabetes. This is an unfortunate trend, which proves that a majority of us are faced with the risk of getting heart attack and stroke in the future.
Necessary changes are urgently needed to be made in our busy lifestyle .Promoting awareness is essential in prevention and early treatment to be taken, if any of the warning symptoms manifest.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HEART DISEASE?
The bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood to get deposited in the walls of coronary arteries is the beginning of the disease. The tendency is greater when the risk factors aren’t properly dealt with. This leads to plaque formation.the artery starts to narrow, when these deposits progress. The plaque can rupture at any given moment. When the plaque ruptures, the blood clots in the vicinity and blocks the flow of blood through the artery. As a result, the heart muscle doesn’t get the enough blood supply. This is called Myocardial Infarction or Heart Attack.
Gradually, the muscle ceases to function. The heart will enter into an abnormal rhythm which is called “ventricular arrhythmia”. this can lead to collapse and sudden death.
The symptoms of heart attack are sudden crushing chest pain associated with extreme perspiration.the pain can radiate along the left arm and sometimes, along the right arm, up the neck and around the jaw. Patients can get dizzy, faintish and ultimately collapse. Sometimes the chestpain can be burning in nature and mostly we see patients assume it to be “gastritis” pain. We recommend not to make self diagnosis. Seek medical advice early.
WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE FIRST-AID TAKEN BEFORE GETTING ADMITTED?
An Asprin tablet can be taken to dissolve the clot to some extent. Glyceryl trinitrate tablet (TNT) can be taken (kept under the tongue until it dissolves) for pain relief. The pain will not be eliminated, but it will give some sort of relief. The patient needs to be rushed to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. The first hour is “the Golden hour”, where early treatment can be very successful. Time delay can cause more damage to the heart muscle.
HOW DOES LANKA HOSPITALS REACT TO SUCH INSTANCES?
Patient who come with chest pains get early treatment and observation in the ETU. ECG is taken to determine the diagnosis.the first ECG might not show, and therefore it is advisable to remain and get follow up ECGS. Blood tests are taken to check Troponins. Troponin is detected in the blood when the heart muscle is damaged but initial Troponin test can be negative in a heart attack.
Once the “heart attack” is confirmed the patient is directly sent to cathlab for coronary angiogram followed by Primary angioplasty and stenting where the clot is removed and the blocked artery is stented. this is the most successful way of managing heart attacks. These patients are managed in the Coronary Care Unit in order to monitor life threatening arrhythmias. Defibrillator machines are used to give shocks and to get the heart pumping again to save the lives of many fortunate souls.
The other way of managing heart attack is by giving intravenous thrombolysis (clot blusters) This treatment is widely available in the country. This is the next best treatment if a cathlab is not available in the hospital.
The problem faced within the society, is the delay in seeking medical advice.the patient makes a self diagnosis of the condition and get home remedies.the time delay causes more damage to the heart muscle and even death.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL PROGRAMS HOSTED TO CELEBRATE WORLD HEART DAY?
Annual celebrations are held in Lanka Hospitals to celebrate the World Heart day. These include TV programs, paper advertisements, public awareness programs. Last year we organized the “Heart Walk” in collaboration with Sri Lanka Heart Association. Former Sri Lankan Captain and cricketing legend Mahela Jayawardena graced the event, giving priority to this worthy cause. It was widely appreciated and admired.
This year, we will light up the hospital in red lights and a heart shaped balloon is to hover within the hospital premises.
HOW DO YOU VISUALIZE THE FUTURE?
The younger generation is at risk. When a parent gets a heart attack or stroke the entire family is rendered helpless. this can bring a big economic burden to the family. The inability to get back to work can result in financial difficulties and less productivity at their workplaces due to their illness and disability. The cost involved in managing heart attack and stroke is a burden to the family, community and the government. Therefore, it is best to prevent the disease, rather than waiting to get the disease and seek treatment.
In case of an emergency you can always contact Lanka Hospitals. You can dial the Emergency hot-line 0770 116653 / 011 543 1088.
Be a hero, if not for yourself, do it for the betterment of those who matters the most.