PharmEasy Blog

Warning Signs Of Heart Attack Everyone Must Know!

It is very saddening to learn about the loss of young people due to manageable (in most cases) conditions like heart attacks. When in doubt, one must consult a doctor and get yourself examined. It is always better to be safe than sorry -says Dr. Saurabh Deshpande, a senior cardiologist from Mumbai.

Lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack becomes the prime reason behind the delay in treatment or even death in many patients. Read on the following signs and symptoms that a person experiencing a heart attack may feel-

Pain in the arm, shoulders, jaw, neck, back and especially on one side of the body.

  Tightness / pain /discomfort in chest

Sweating for no apparent reason

Lightheadedness

 Shortness of breath

 Fatigue

 Blurry vision

 Palpitations

 Coughing

 Headache 

 Nausea or Vomiting

  Indigestion or bloating 

What should be done in case a person experiences one or more of the above mentioned symptoms:

Do’sDont’s
Visit the nearest hospital without delay.Do not waste time on home remedies
If you are a known patient of heart disease and your doctor has given you some medicines for emergency use, consult the doctor on phone and immediately take the prescribed medicines and then rush to the hospital.Do not try to self medicate 
Try to keep yourself calm and relaxed but act fast.Do not engage in exercises or walking to comfort the uneasiness

Can a person reduce the risk of a heart attack?

One can opt for healthy diet and lifestyle choices to keep his/her heart-healthy. Here are a few tips to follow:

Say no to smoking and alcohol.

Monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. 

Reduce the consumption of packaged, deep-fried and processed foods and choose a healthy and balanced diet.

Monitor your blood glucose levels to keep diabetes and other blood sugar related complications at bay.

Stay active and do a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise regularly.

Manage your stress and anxiety

Maintain your body weight in a healthy range.

Get regular health checkups done.

It is important to spread awareness about the signs of heart attack and the necessity to visit a hospital without delay to minimise the unexpected deaths due to unidentified symptoms of a heart attack. With the right knowledge and healthy lifestyle choices, we can create a healthier and happier world together.

This article is written by Dr. Nikita Toshi and reviewed by Dr. Saurabh Deshpande MBBS, MD, DM (Cardiology)

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

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Essential Tips For A Healthy Heart!

Cardiovascular diseases cause the highest number of deaths all over the world. The health of our hearts depends on a lot of lifestyle factors. Poor nutrition choices, bad lifestyle decisions, and improper mental health care can result in strokes, heart attacks, embolisms, and coronary heart disease. Here are 20 ways to keep your heart healthy:

Eat healthily

Eating fresh produce and eliminating processed foods from your diet will reduce trans- fats, the number one cause of heart disease in men and women.

1. Focus on heart-healthy foods. 2. Maintain a healthy weight. 3. Stand up and get moving. 4. Live smoke-free. 5. Catch the signs of heart disease early

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Antioxidants Intake

By increasing your intake of antioxidants found in berries, artichokes, nuts, leafy greens, and citrus fruits you can ensure good heart health.

Quit Smoking

Smoking causes the blood vessels going to and fro from the heart to constrict, increasing the odds of getting a heart attack. Quit smoking to keep your heart happy.

Cardiovascular diseases claim more lives than all forms of cancer combined. If you experience any sign of a compromised heart health like chest pain, pain in the jaw, loss of consciousness, etc. immediate medical intervention is essential.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Regular Exercise

Aerobics, Zumba, yoga, swimming, brisk walking, jogging, and taekwondo will increase heart rate which keeps the system functioning well.

Bust the Stress

Stress makes us indulge in unhealthy activities like drinking, eating junk and smoking. Find ways to de-stress and learn to practice deep breathing exercises.

Delete Cholesterol

Avoid processed foods, eat natural and healthy and your cholesterol levels will see a dip.

Also Read: Recommended & Normal Cholesterol Level

Sleep Enough

Restful, seven hours of sleep every night is a must for a healthy heart.

Read More: What are The Benefits of Sleep?

Socialize

Having an active social life can reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease. Meet friends and family often.

Embracing a positive perspective on life could contribute to your long-term well-being.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Stock Up On Fibre

Eat your raw fruits and veggies and the wonder cereal oats to improve heart functioning.

Reduce Alcohol

Limit your alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking sessions. Choose wine over the hard drinks to have a happy heart.

Weighty Issues

Reduce your weight if you are on the heavier side. Look up the optimum weight for your age and height and aim to achieve that.

Pet Therapy

Having a pet reduces stress. If pets are not your thing, indulge in some gardening, or volunteer for some charity work.

Cooking Oil Matters

Eliminate refined oils from your cooking. Switch to olive oil, peanut, sesame or mustard oil.

Reduce Salt

Salt is known to increase blood pressure. Reduce its amount from your diet and use herbs and spices to add more flavour to your food.

Eat Your Oats

Oats are the friendliest cereal when it comes to your heart. Rich in fibre and high in protein, oats are the best breakfast option.

Regular Checkups

Meet your doctor regularly to have consistent updates on your health

Walnuts

They are the richest in antioxidants, which are responsible for avoiding heart issues. Eat a handful to stay healthy

Eat Fish

The healthiest alternative to red meat and chicken, fish is also rich in antioxidants.

Eat chocolate

Chow down some dark chocolate but only in moderation. The darker it is, the more antioxidants it will have proving beneficial for your heart.

Dental hygiene

Dental health is related to your heart’s health. Floss and brush daily and visit the dentist regularly.

Reduce belly fat

Excessive belly fat is often responsible for high blood pressure and higher levels of lipid in the blood. All these factors are extremely detrimental to heart health. Thus, It is important to keep your belly fat in control.

Physical activity

Working out regularly reduces the resting heart rate. It raises the heart rate while the body is engaged in physical activities which strengthens the lungs. Even if there is not much time left for exercising, a simple evening stroll might be beneficial.

Stretching exercises

Stretching reduces stress levels which ultimately helps in keeping the heart-healthy.  

Take the stairs instead of using the lift

Walking up and down the stairs is considered a great cardio activity and is sometimes even added to fitness regimes by trainers. It is a good way of getting your body moving while doing other chores. 

Be aware of your health

Being aware of the blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels which are healthy for your gender and age not only helps you remain healthy and seek help when necessary.

Intimacy with your partner

Intimate activity with your partner has several benefits including keeping your heart healthy. It may reduce your blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart-related diseases.

Do not skip breakfast

The first meal of the day is also the most important meal of the day. Eating a balanced breakfast daily helps maintain a healthy body weight and provides energy throughout the day.

Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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You Could Have A Heart Attack And Not Even Know About It

When we think of heart attacks, an image pops up in our minds. A person experiencing searing pain in the chest and losing consciousness. While this does indeed happen, there is another phenomenon called a silent heart attack. Most people are not aware of this kind of heart attack. The silent heart attack is not accompanied by the usual signs of a heart attack. It is very much possible that the person experiencing the attack wouldn’t even realize that something is amiss. While this can happen to anyone, persons with diabetes are more prone to it.

If a heart attack can be painless, does that mean it is also harmless? Not at all. A silent heart attack will damage your heart health just like a regular heart attack. In the case of uncontrolled diabetes, due to the damage to nerves, your body fails to sense the pain and discomfort due to the heart attack. It might eventually even put your life at risk. In a way, a silent heart attack is more dangerous than the one that triggers pain. If you don’t even know that you’ve had a heart attack, you will not be able to seek medical help and your health could deteriorate without any warning.

It is also worth knowing the  difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack. Mostly, heart attacks occur when one of the arteries (blood vessels) leading to the heart gets blocked, while cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating and the person stops breathing normally. Cardiac arrest is worse than a heart attack.

So what is to be done? Let’s find out!

What exactly is a silent heart attack?

Any heart attack, silent or otherwise, happens when your heart muscles do not get a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood through the arteries for a long period of time. The muscles need oxygen to stay healthy and carry out their tasks. But when plaque (caused by bad cholesterol) builds up in the arteries, these blood vessels lose their flexibility and the passage becomes narrow. Naturally, not enough blood is able to flow through them to the heart. The oxygen-starved heart muscles start dying and eventually, a heart attack happens which can further damage the heart muscles and other vital organs of the body.

A silent heart attack may not be characterized by sudden intolerable pain but it is a misconception to think that there are absolutely no warning signs. In the days preceding the attack, people do experience certain mild heart attack symptoms which most ignore. Recognising these signs for what they are, the precursor to a heart attack can help you prevent one.

1. Discomfort in your chest

Any unusual feeling in your chest that persists for more than a day should be examined by a doctor. Heartburn can cause intense stabs of pain but this does not last for more than a few minutes. So do not ignore your chest discomfort by chalking it up to indigestion.

Other heart attack symptoms that need to be brought to your doctor’s attention are – mild pain in your chest, a feeling of pressure anywhere in this region or an inexplicable fullness. Do not overlook these signs of a heart attack.

2. Pain in other parts of the body

A silent heart attack (or any other heart attack) may trigger pain anywhere in the body other than in the chest in the days leading up to the attack. It is difficult for people to associate body pain with an upcoming heart attack. If you feel constant pain in your arms, neck, abdomen, back or jaws, let your doctor know. 

3. Breathlessness or disorientation

If you are having difficulty breathing or are feeling dizzy, the cause might be more than your asthma acting up or exhaustion. Impending heart attacks often trigger both these heart attack symptoms. Poor blood supply to the heart means that even minor exertions like walking up a flight of stairs can make you wheeze. Disorientation happens because your heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to the brain. 

4. Nausea

Nausea could be triggered by a variety of causes from indigestion to the flu. But a future heart attack is also sometimes preceded by intense nausea and vomiting. You may also break out into sudden cold sweats accompanied by dizziness. If you haven’t caught the flu or if there are no other signs of indigestion, then contact your doctor immediately.

Also Read: Benefits of Watermelon Sexually: Exploring Research-Based Effects

Conclusion: Learn to care for your heart

No matter what your age is, you need to take better care of your heart. Exercising 5 days a week is a must. If you are a heart patient, discuss with your doctor about the right exercise for your body. A healthy diet can keep risk factors of heart disorders such as hypertension, high levels of LDL and obesity in check. Undergo cholesterol tests, monitor your blood pressure and give up smoking. Be especially careful if your family has a history of heart diseases. Most importantly, familiarize yourself with the tell-tale signs of a heart attack. If you experience any discomfort for an unusually long time, do not hesitate to inform a doctor. This will save your life.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Why Are Heart Attacks Becoming Common Among The Youth?

South Asian populations, including Indians, account for a high risk of heart ailment even in the younger age groups. In fact, according to a Stanford University study, South Asian people have a 40% higher mortality rate due to heart attacks than people from the rest of the world.  

But of late, it has been observed that the age group that is the worst hit is the 25 – 40 bracket. The age group who is often indulged in unhealthy lifestyles and habits like smoking, alcohol and remain ignorant of the fact that they too are at risk of developing some serious illnesses. Appearing healthy from the outside does not assure perfect health.

It is important to prevent heart attacks as they could lead to severe complications like heart failure. What’s the difference between heart attack and heart failure? Generally, heart attacks occur when the blood flow to a part of the heart is partially or completely cut off, while on the other hand, heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to other body parts as efficiently as it should.

The time has come to become aware of the possibility of grave heart disorders and learn of ways to avert them. No matter how young you are, it is not too early to start taking care of your heart.

Physical activity significantly helps to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. When done regularly, moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises can lower an individual’s risk for coronary heart disease.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Why are young people having heart attacks?

Typically people think that the risk of heart ailments rises when a man reaches his 50s and a woman crosses the age of 65. But these days, heart illnesses or other disorders that lead to heart problems such as hypertension or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides are being noticed in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

Why are the youth today more vulnerable to heart attacks than the previous generations?

The primary reason is the prevalent sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet. Modern lifestyle ups the risk of heart attacks among the youth.

Stress and anxiety

The lives of the youth today are riddled with stress. Stress levels are higher today than ever before. With workplace toxicity, unrealistic expectations, financial insecurity in a volatile job market, distressing news and social media abuse being rampant, the youth today do not have healthy ways of dealing with stress

Chronic stress is dangerous for the body. It causes unhealthy weight gain and high blood pressure. Undiagnosed hypertension damages the arteries and lowers blood supply to the heart. In the absence of enough blood, the heart muscles start degrading and eventually, this causes a heart attack.

Indians have higher risk of CAD at young age compared to other populations. Risk factor profile remains similar to those of old adults such as dyslipidemia, tobacco, diabetes, and hypertension but conditions like hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercoagulable states, and cocaine use, etc. are specific to younger population and should be evaluated in CAD cases. CAD in the young is increasing in prevalence in India due to changing lifestyle. Family history of premature CAD is one of the strongest risk factor in young individuals.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Unhealthy dietary habits

Another answer to the question of why do young people have heart attacks, lies in the foods that the youth today eat. To deal with stress and also because the youth barely has the time or energy to cook healthy meals, unhealthy eating is on a rise. Frequent cravings are satiated with sweets, desserts and oily fried foods. Reliance on take-out foods has increased. All these foods are harmful to the heart.

Trans fats found in deep-fried foods, white bread, cookies, cakes or pastries raise the level of LDL (bad cholesterol). LDL builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels of the heart. This creates an obstruction that narrows the passage and limits how much blood reaches the heart. This may eventually trigger a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Youth these days indulge in extreme diets, take a variety of health supplements on their own which can be harmful. Any diet plan or health supplements should not be taken without discussing with a doctor or registered dietician.

Obesity and diabetes

Unhealthy eating causes obesity and is one of the primary risk factors of diabetes. Studies have found that the obesity rate in India is increasing more rapidly than the global average and India already ranks 3rd in the obesity index. 

The incident rate of obesity is quite high in the youth and obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Both obesity and diabetes are considered risk factors for heart diseases. 

It is important for everyone to stay aware of the warning signs of heart attack and get yourself tested by a cardiologist when in doubt.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Exercise

Too little or too much exercise is another reason why young people are having heart attacks.

Cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming, dancing, skipping rope (any exercise that makes your heart rate go up) ward off obesity and keep LDL and triglyceride levels in check and thus protect the heart. Exercises also increase blood supply to the heart. But unfortunately, many youngsters are reluctant to exercise because they think they don’t have enough time after work.

On the other end of the spectrum are youngsters who exercise too much in a bid to fit the media-established idea of the ‘perfect body’. If there is a pre-existing heart condition that has not been diagnosed yet, then excessive exercise can damage the heart further and bring on a heart attack. Unregulated weight training can thicken the heart muscles and unprescribed supplements can trigger arrhythmia. 

According to doctors, some people in their 20s start developing heart blockages because of genetics or bad cholesterol. In such a state, if the person puts his/her body through an extreme workout, the exertion can trigger the formation of blood clots near the blockages which can result in a heart attack. 

Sedentary lifestyle

Lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting hours in front of a laptop or TV, excessive screen time, poor sleep habits, improper eating schedule together affect a person’s health. Working in these areas can offer great health benefits and this applies to people of all age groups.

Will a healthy lifestyle reduce heart attack possibilities?

All healthcare experts will tell you that you can substantially lower the risks of cardiac problems by following a healthy lifestyle. A perfectly healthy-looking person may also have an underlying illness that can be diagnosed by routine health checkups. Follow these tips:

If needed, consider seeking the help of a therapist. It is nothing to be ashamed of.

Start taking better care of your heart health from today. No matter how young you are, your health deserves special attention and love. Live healthy to prevent not just heart attacks but many other illnesses as well. And if there is a prevalence of heart disorders or diabetes within the family, get yourself tested at least once a year. Prevention is always better than cure, stay aware and keep up good health.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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World Heart Day – 5 Unique Heart Facts

Your heart is arguably the most important muscle in your body. It toils away tirelessly without any complaints to keep you going, and that is why it deserves some tender loving care. This World Heart Day, let’s go through a few facts about the heart.

1. The heart doesn’t tire –

While you may find yourself angry and exasperated when you have to do more work than usual, your heart is doing a lot of grunt work without any protest. This small organ, which is the size of your closed fist, beats at least 100,000 times a day! That amounts to 60-100 beats per minute. Imagine the amount of stress your heart has to endure to pump blood to all corners of your body 24/7!

2. Your heart rate changes all your life –

You might think your heart beats the same number of times all your life, but actually, your heart rate is not constant. As you age, your heart rate dwindles.  

Here’s a chart detailing the average heart rate of various age groups –

When you perform strenuous physical activity, or when your body releases an excess of adrenaline, your heart rate escalates. Similarly, your resting heart rate will be lower than when you are active. This is because when you sleep, your metabolism slows down. That slows down your parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for regulating your heart rate.

Your resting heart rate can predict your longevity, the health of your heart and even indicate if there is a possibility of you contracting heart ailments.

3. No distinction –

While the world has still not embraced equality between the genders, heart ailments do not discriminate between man and woman. One of the most important human heart facts is that both men and women are equally prone to a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

4. Different symptoms, same problem –

What many people do not know is that the symptoms of heart attack are different for men and women.    

Common heart attack symptoms in women are-

Men on the other hand experience-

Unbearable pain in the chest

5. But not everyone is equally prone to heart attacks –

Your physical activity level determines your risk factor. There are plenty of studies that have proved that an active lifestyle and regular exercise halve the possibility of heart-related ailments. Similarly, sitting for long stretches of time can also significantly affects your possibility of getting heart attacks.  

Your heart is precious beyond measure. There are several things you can do to safeguard it. Eat healthily and steer clear of smoking and alcohol. Squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week. Preventive heart check-ups are also imperative.  

If you opt for regular blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol tests, your doctor will know how healthy your heart is and if any sign of a distressed heart shows up, you could begin treatment right away.  

So, this world heart day, take a pledge to keep your heart happy and healthy.  

Also Read: Take Care of Your Heart: Foods To Avoid If You Have Heart Palpitations

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Impact Of Caffeine Overdose You Should Know!

Caffeine  overdose is a reality and we need to accept it. Energy drinks, like coffee and even tea (Indians love their chai), are popular beverages that  help to lessen sleepiness, increase energy and maintain alertness. Energy drinks are generally used for temporary relief of distress or the positive effects on attention and performance. These behaviours are also routine for young students to improve performance in studies and sports and professionals to enhance their work-related performance.

These drinks contain chemicals like caffeine, taurine, and vitamins hence can be called caffeinated beverages. These are popular among teenagers and young adults. However, these drinks in addition to caffeine may contain several stimulants and simple sugars, which increase their caloric content.

Since the caffeine concentration in these drinks is high, their overconsumption can have detrimental effects on one’s health. It affects the quality and duration of sleep if consumed in excess. People who habitually consume large amounts of coffee may develop a dependency on it. Serious problems have been reported when caffeine-containing products are consumed in more copious amounts. Mainly children, adolescents, and young adults can develop anxiety, fits, agitation, migraines, sleeplessness, dehydration, gastrointestinal problems or abnormal heartbeat. Importantly, it has been recently demonstrated that energy drinks also induce an ill effect on the functioning of the heart and reduce blood flow to the brain under mental stress. Moreover, caffeine has also been shown to cause damage to the muscle and kidneys.

The outcomes after caffeine toxicity are excellent. Mortality is very rare for patients who seek treatment. Those who do not seek treatment or the treatment is delayed may develop seizures, arrhythmias, or even aspirate vomitus.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also, over-consumption of caffeine by pregnant mothers could have harmful effects on the healthy development of the unborn child.

Also, the effect of caffeine overdose produces is specific to an individual. Hence, the effects may be different in different individuals for the same amount of caffeine.

Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal begin 12 to 24 hours after the last caffeine intake and can last two to nine days, and may include a headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, and drowsiness. Tapering consumption is often found to be helpful.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Considering the ill-effects of excessive use, energy drinks and caffeine-containing beverages should be limited to occasional consumption. These should be avoided before or during sports practice. People with specific heart-related ailments should seek medical advice before consuming such drinks. Parents should restrict the consumption or abuse of energy drinks by their children. Consumption of coffee in a limited quantity is acceptable in otherwise healthy people. The amount one can consume without any ill-effects or experiencing caffeine overdose vary since its effect is individualistic.

Also Read: Decoding Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Bypass Surgery: Purpose & Procedure

Just the mention of a ”bypass surgery” is enough to generate gasps of shock and surprise. With the advancement in the field of medical science and the sophisticated surgical instruments being used nowadays, bypass surgery has a success rate of 99.5%. This implies that though it involves operating the most vital organ of the body, bypass surgery isn’t as intimidating as it once used to be.   About 47 million Indians suffered from Coronary Artery Disease in 2010 and this number is rapidly increasing with each passing year. Over 60,000 patients undergo bypass surgery every year and even this number is alarmingly on a rise.    Blausen_0152_CABG_AllSource

Why is it needed?  

The blood vessels that carry blood to the heart are called the coronary arteries. Over time, plaque builds up on the inner walls of the arteries, reducing the blood flow to the heart. This decreased blood supply causes stress on the heart muscles and tires them out. When the condition worsens, the coronary artery is blocked altogether. This condition, known as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, puts the person at a high risk of a heart attack due to a lack of blood supply. Bypass surgery is needed when the blockage is too severe to be managed with medication.

What is done in the surgery?

Prior to the surgery, an I.V. is given to the patient. Through the I.V., medication, fluids and anaesthesia are given to the patient. The anaesthesia helps to put the person to deep, painless sleep.   A typical bypass surgery lasts for three to six hours. An incision is made below the sternum and the rib cage is spread apart to expose the heart. Until recently, the patient was then hooked to a lung machine that supplied the body with oxygenated blood while the heart was operated on. Off late though, only a part of the heart is stabilized or ‘put on hold’ with advanced operating equipment. This means that only a part of the heart is non-functional, while the rest continues beating and supplying blood to the body during the surgery. A graft (tissues from either the thoracic arteries or from the legs) is then used to redirect the blood vessel around the blockages to ‘bypass’ the blockage and ensure a continuous supply of blood to the heart. With the advancement in technology, doctors are now also able to carry out the surgery by making just a 3-inch incision in the chest. However, this isn’t possible for all bypass surgeries. Typically, a person who has undergone bypass surgery needs to stay at the hospital for at least 5-6 days.Disclaimer:  The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.