Heart and Cardio-vascular

Heart Failure is a life changing condition that is chronic and progressive. Cardiac Rehabilitation is known to be one of the best tools to enhance functioning and well being while improving quality of life. Prof Jaimala Shetye, an experienced Physiotherapist with 39 years of Physiotherapy teaching and clinical experience explains the role of Cardiac rehabilitation in patients with Heart Failure.  What does cardiac rehabilitation mean? Cardiac Rehabilitation is a coordinated multifaceted…

The incidence of heart attack (myocardial infarction) is increasing in India according to NCRB data.  It is therefore important that we understand what a heart attack is, the causes and risk factors, symptoms, treatment options.  What is a heart attack? What does the term myocardial infarction mean? A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when blood can not reach to the heart muscles. This blockage is developed due to plaque buildup within the coronary…

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, also known as ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease. Urbanization has increased sedentary behavior, unhealthy diet, and smoking, all significant risk factors for CAD. Read this to learn about Coronary Artery Disease and what you can do to manage this. What is CAD or coronary artery disease? Coronary artery disease is the most common heart problem. It is also known as ischemic heart disease or coronary heart…

Amina Fatima Mehdi underwent a heart and double lung transplant at the age of 30. She became aware of her ASD (Atrial Septal Defect), a congenital heart defect, at the age of 3, and received her diagnosis of PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) at the age of 12. She shares her journey of overcoming various challenges along the way and highlights how her positive attitude and strong determination helped her conquer them. How did you find out about the diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect and…

Mrs. Khairunnisha Usmanhaji Patel is a 58 year old woman with a rare heart disease ATTR-CM. Her husband Usman Patel speaks about the her early symptoms, the years it took to get a diagnosis, how her condition affects her quality of life and how she is coping. What condition does your wife have? My wife has a rare heart disease called ATTR-CM (Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy). Can you recall the first symptoms you noticed for which you connected with the doctor? How did the diagnosis come…

Maya Nair* (name changed on request), 52 year old from Kochi, with a diagnosis of VSD – Ventricular Septal Defect and PH – Pulmonary Hypertension, shares her experience of the complexities of these conditions as a young child, understanding of the diseases, seeking the right treatment at the right time and the journey in managing them. Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment I was born with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) and still have the hole in my heart. When I was about 3-4 months old, my…

Vibha Gupta, 49 originally from Delhi and now in Chicago, USA, lives with multiple chronic illnesses like Sjogren's and heart failure. She shares her journey of learning about her illness, the lifestyle changes that help her cope and why she thinks being proactive is important. Please tell us about your conditions and when you were diagnosed. I have Heart Failure, Sjogren’s, Raynaud’s and recently Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). I was diagnosed in: 2010 - Raynaud’s 2013 –…

People living with Heart Failure (HF) are more likely to suffer from sudden cardiovascular events especially during travel. But with a little planning, it is possible for persons living with heart failure to travel.  Here are travel recommendations to ease the anxiety and reduce the risk of adversities for all patients with HF. Consult your Cardiologist for a health and travel assessment at least 4-6 weeks before date of travel Before selecting the travel destination, factor in the…

Suchismita Haldar is a full time caregiving mom to her 3 year old son who was diagnosed with Alagille Syndrome at birth. She talks about her journey as well as the awareness campaign she conducts. At what age was your son diagnosed with Alagille Syndrome? What were the symptoms? My son was diagnosed with a critical congenital heart defect 2 days after he was born. He had pulmonary atresia with no native PA (pulmonary artery) and MAPCA (major aorto pulmonary collateral arteries) dependent…

There is still a lack of awareness on Heart Failure. People often confuse it with Heart attack. We are doing a series on public and patient awareness sessions on various aspects related to Heart Failure. Leave us a comment here if you have a question Join us as Dr. Jagdish Hiremath explains Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and its linkages with advancing age. Dr. Hiremath is Cardiologist, Director Cath Lab, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune When 10th September 4:30 PM IST   On Zoom…