STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: While spearheading the campaign to educate and aware masses about the importance of primary prevention of cardiac ailments by adopting heart compatible lifestyle Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu, Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in association with GIEO Gita Gyan Sansthanam ( J & K ) and Samaj Sewa Samiti , Jagti at Community Hall , Kashmiri township Nagrota in order to make people realize the increasing incidence of cardiac diseases and various primordial modalities to prevent them. The camp was inaugurated by Rahul Yadav (IAS) along with Dr Sushil Sharma and prominent members of the Society.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the greatest global health burdens of the 21st century, and beyond its effect on blood sugar, it silently damages blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs. Among all its complications, the most devastating and life-threatening is its impact on the heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes, accounting for nearly three-fourths of diabetes-related mortality worldwide. The connection between diabetes and heart disease forms a complex interplay of metabolic, vascular, and inflammatory processes, creating a dangerous environment inside the body long before symptoms appear. As both conditions continue rising globally especially in developing nations the combined burden poses a growing medical and societal challenge.
He elaborated that Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease by two to four times. Persistent high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, sets off a chain reaction of harmful processes: thickening of blood vessel walls, reduced elasticity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In addition, people with diabetes often exhibit a characteristic lipid pattern-high triglycerides, low HDL, and small dense LDL particles that is highly atherogenic and accelerates the development of coronary artery disease. Over time, these metabolic disturbances contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy, a condition unique to diabetes in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, stiff, and weak even in the absence of cholesterol blockages.
He highlighted that the prevention of heart disease in diabetes requires a comprehensive, strategic, and sustained approach. Achieving good blood sugar control slows vascular damage, while managing blood pressure and cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medications significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity and strengthens cardiovascular function. A heart-healthy diet low in salt, sugar, trans fats, and refined foods plays an equally important role. Smoking cessation remains one of the most powerful interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. Regular screening for complications such as micro albuminuria, retinopathy, neuropathy, early coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease allows for timely intervention before irreversible damage occurs. Despite the seriousness of this relationship, awareness remains limited. Many individuals with diabetes underestimate their cardiovascular risk, believing diabetes affects only sugar levels. In reality, diabetes is fundamentally a cardiovascular condition, and addressing it requires holistic, aggressive, and early action focusing on every component of metabolic health, He added.
Dr Sushil Sharma held emphasis on the fact that diabetes and heart disease form a dangerous alliance that poses one of the greatest threats to global health today. Diabetes damages the heart silently and relentlessly, often without warning, leading to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and premature death. Yet, this risk is not inevitable. With strict metabolic control, heart-healthy habits, timely medical intervention, and use of modern cardio protective therapies, the progression of cardiovascular complications can be slowed dramatically or even prevented. Early detection, patient awareness, and holistic care remain the key pillars in protecting the heart from the hidden dangers of diabetes. Understanding this deadly link is the first step toward prevention, healthier living, and a longer, stronger life.
Chetan Wanchoo, President of GIEO Gita Gyan Sansthanam ( J & K) and Pyare Lal Pandita representing Samaj Sewa Samiti Jagti applauded Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in their locality and expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Ajay Sharma , Gagan Sharma , Atul Sharma , Manveer , Kuldeep Razdan , Sheshnag , Moti Lal Padroo, Neha Pandita and Chaman Lal also graced the occasion .
Others who were part of this humane effort Includes Dr Venkatesh Yellupu, Dr Bhola Kumar and Dr Aditya Sharma . Others who were part of this camp include Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh, Gourav Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Vikas Kumar, Gokul Jamwal, Rahul Vaid, Shubham Sharma, Paramveer Singh, Anmol Singh, Makhan Sharma, Maninder Singh and Nirvair Singh Bali.
