Heart protection: current options and future challenges: Dr Sushil

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Continuing his relentless efforts in screening and educating the masses at grass root levels so as to provide healthcare at each and every doorstep Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health checkup camp at Shiv Mandir Panchayat Kangrail Block Bhalwal Jammu so as to educate people about various factors contributing to heart protection thereby reducing morbidity and mortality.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil stated that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. An estimated 20.5 million people died from CVDs every year, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% are due to heart attack and stroke. Over three quarters of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. People in low- and middle-income countries who suffer from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases have less access to effective and equitable health care services which respond to their needs. As a result, for many people in these countries detection is often late in the course of the disease and people die at a younger age from CVDs and other non-communicable diseases, often in their most productive years.
He elaborated that cardiovascular mortality trends differ substantially among different groups, and the evolving picture is complex and multidimensional. Outcomes and quality continue to vary by sex, race, and ethnicity. Disparities may be attributable to lower access to basic primary care and treatments to modify cardiovascular risk factors, challenges with social determinants (eg, income and educational attainment), and modifiable risk factors (eg, diet, physical activity, and smoking).He called upon to lay stress on risk factor modifications, patient engagement and involvement, correct diagnosis, adherence and proper use of first-line treatments, proper use of advanced treatments, and better use of supportive services so as to provide equitable and affordable cardiac healthcare in each nook and corner and hence overcome the major challenges in delivery of services right from the base to apex of societal pyramid.
He told that past half-century has witnessed remarkable and unprecedented progress in addressing cardiovascular disease (CVD), marked by a large and continuing reduction in CVD-related mortality. Yet, even with this progress, CVD remains the leading cause of death and disability. Various risk factors call for a shift toward more upstream prevention rather than the current emphasis on downstream treatment.
He added that individual choices play a part in these behaviours, government and policymakers also play an important role in ensuring people have access to the tools they need to live a healthy life, including clean air, affordable healthy food, and well-planned urban spaces that encourage an active lifestyle. Health policies that create environments where healthy choices are not only available, but also affordable, are essential for motivating people to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyles. Addressing just one risk factor, such as exercising more, will help, but in order to significantly reduce your risk of CVD, it’s important to look at your lifestyle as a whole. If you are already living with CVD, staying healthy and active can help you live longer and reduce the chances of it getting worse, He Said
Prominent member of the area Dr Shallu Sharma , Rajan Sharma, Vishal Verma, Rakesh Sharma, Subhash Sharma and Manoj Sharma appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health Checkup camp in their area and expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Yashwant Sharma and Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor. Paramedics and Volunteers includes Kamal Sharma , Ranjeet Singh , Amnish Dutta , Rohit Nayyar , Maninder Singh , Makhan Sharma , Rajinder Singh , Arun Singh , Vikas Kumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.