The rise in heart attacks, even among those with normal health indicators, has raised significant concern, particularly in high-stress environments like India. To assess heart health, it is essential to consult a doctor who will evaluate various factors, including medical history, cardiac risk factors, blood tests, and non-invasive tests like ECG and ECHO. Individuals in high-risk categories should consider advanced screenings such as CT Coronary Angiography. While traditional risk factors remain crucial, the COVID-19 pandemic has also been linked to increased cardiovascular complications. Implementing lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, managing diabetes, and adopting a balanced diet can significantly reduce heart disease risk.
In recent times, the alarming increase in heart attacks—occurring even in individuals with no previous symptoms and normal results from ECG, ECHO, and TMT tests—has generated considerable anxiety. Disturbing videos of people collapsing during everyday activities like dancing, gaming, or exercising have further fueled these concerns. In India, where many individuals face high stress and smoking-related issues, there has been a notable rise in premature heart attacks and cardiac arrests.
The foremost step towards understanding your heart health is to consult a doctor, who will assess various factors related to your heart, including:
1. Medical history 2. Cardiac risk factors (such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension, family history, lipid profile, and sedentary lifestyle) and risk scoring 3. Blood tests 4. Non-invasive tests (like ECG, ECHO, and TMT), which are usually adequate for low-risk cases
Beyond traditional risk factors, recent reports indicate an increase in cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks among both young and older adults, potentially linked to COVID-19. This virus can directly affect the cardiovascular system, causing inflammation and disruptions in the blood clotting mechanism.
How Can You Ensure Your Heart Health?
If you fall into a high-risk category, it is crucial to undergo advanced screenings, such as CT Coronary Angiography or Conventional Angiography, for a comprehensive evaluation. For individuals at high risk of coronary artery disease, CT Coronary Angiography is a suitable option, especially when performed thoughtfully. If the results are normal, there is generally no cause for concern.
A skilled physician can identify high-risk individuals through thorough history-taking, clinical judgment, and risk scoring methods. In cases where there are no significant blockages but mild to moderate disease is detected, the focus should shift to implementing effective risk modification strategies, including:
– Quitting smoking – Managing diabetes – Controlling blood pressure – Following an exercise and diet plan to achieve an ideal weight – Engaging in yoga and stress-reduction activities
By taking these steps, anyone can assess whether their heart is in good health.
According to Dr. (Prof) Purshotam Lal, Chairman of the Metro Group of Hospitals and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Dr. B. C. Roy National Award, “Based on the results, your doctor may perform a heart disease risk assessment using the Framingham Risk Score. This algorithmic test estimates a patient’s 10-year cardiovascular risk and categorizes individuals into high, moderate, and low-risk groups.”
