Get Cool With Heart Attacks And Strokes

Parks and beaches which were deserted once are now seen crowded with people from all walks of life stuffing the places before day break.An alarming anxiety about health awakens them and pulls them into all modes of exercise routines.Health clubs and gymnasiums which were a symbol of prestige and luxury has turned out to be a necessity even for people thronging the rural areas.

Heart diseases are a major source of concern for the people in our society.The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences points out that working at night and sleeping during the daytime affects the circadian misalignment that slows down the metabolism and energy-burning rate, placing nightshift workers at a greater risk of heart diseases.People usually run behind cure after contracting a disease but it is too late for them to recognize the significance of trying to prevent it, remember the age old saying “Prevention is better than Cure’’

The impact of globalisation combined with sedentary lifestyle makes it nearly impossible for a man above 50 to live in perfect health.Atmospheric pollution, Stress,erroneous food habits,food contamination along with other factors contribute to his deteriorating health.Heart diseases,stroke,cancer etc.are the major diseases affecting the middle aged group.Modern medical science has proved beyond doubt that very low doses of the very same drugs used for treating heart disease along with sensible diet and regular exercise can work wonders in preventing these fatal diseases in an unpredictable manner.

Several factors like the cost of the medicine,hardships to be faced in taking the medicine,fear of side effects etc. pose a restraint on people in deciding whether to take medicines before or after the illness.But the significance of prophylaxis goes unnoticed.For example it is due to the popularization of iodised salt that goitre is rarely reported.Likewise,chlorinated water has controlled many contagious water borne diseases as well. Lack of awareness among the public gets the absence of this diseases hardly noticed..Haven’t the compulsory polio vaccination wipe polio away from the globe?.But have you ever noticed that you have not heard of or seen  any child with polio in the last few years?.

Similarly drugs like Statin  reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke by nearly one third  of its occurrence..A lot of misconcepts about cholesterol level is spread in the day-to-day society.If the cholesterol level becomes too low it does not damage the body.When it comes to cholesterol it is lower the better,longer the better and earlier the better.

So minor and easily available at-hand things are being neglected when the masses run behind expensive vitamin tablets,tonics and protein powders.Many of these drugs imported from foreign countries underlies vested business interests in their market approach.The manufacturers provide nutritive elements that can very well be included in our diets in a tablet or tonic form.These elements available at a cheap price is being charged a hefty sum of rupees hundred or more and people are satisfied  using it!Always bear in mind that the best vitamin tablet is a full plate of salad.

Eventhough Aspirin and statin reduces the incidence of heart diseases a very small percentage exhibits side effects also.People suffering from jaundice and acidity should take the medicine only under expert medical advice.

Advancements in the field of medical science has prolonged the longevity of man,but it is the middle aged group from 35-45 years get mostly struck with heart ailments.This piece of information might have been an eye-opener to many doctors who have recognized the miraculous prophylactic power of “Aspirin-Statin Duo” and has started using it which is an unraveled mystery.Diet ,Exercise and statin can prevent heart attacks and strokes by more than 30%.Isn’t it high time for the society also to understand and act accordingly?After all prevention is not only better than cure it is also a lot more cheaper.

Dr.Sajy kuruttukulam
Chief cardiologist
Medical trust hospital
Kochi
drsajy@yahoo.com