Report by OD bureau, Bhubaneswar: A parable still exists that cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, are lifestyle diseases that primarily affect older, affluent, male populations. But nowadays it is seen that not only men but also women are suffering from heart related diseases. Even the disease is seen in children too. This year theme of world heart day- ‘One World, One Home, One Heart’ focuses on protecting the hearts of women and children through heart-healthy actions.

The “World Heart Day”, takes place on 29 September each year, provides opportunity to raise awareness and encourage individuals, families, communities and governments to take action to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke. In continuation with last year’s focus on home and healthy heart, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar has dedicated 2012 to preventing cardiovascular diseases among women and children. In a bid to create awareness among the public regarding the ailments of heart disease, the hospital had organized a motorcycle rally on Sunday by staff of Hospitals. It has also offered special discounts on heart related investigation for the patients needing medical consultation senior cardiologists in Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar.

According to Dr. P.K Sahoo, Senior Cardiologist of Apollo Hospital, women, no less than men, are prone to developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes makes women three to four times more prone to have a heart attack. Dr. Sahoo says that some women do not experience chest pain during heart attack. They are more likely to have additional warning symptoms and signs like back ache, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and nausea.

Reducing the numbers of adults with heart disease will be nearly impossible unless we keep our children healthy, says Dr. Brajaraj Das, Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bhubaneswar. The risk for heart disease can increase significantly during childhood due to unhealthy diet, lack of active play or exercise and exposure to smoking. Dr. Das has suggested that at least 80 per cent of premature deaths suffering from heart disease and stroke can be avoided if the main risk factors like- taking tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are controlled.