Heart disease is the leading cause of global mortality levels and is most strongly applicable to the population of India due to its large impact. Medicine has made progress, but there are still several incorrect beliefs about heart disease management.
To shed light on these myths and encourage higher awareness of cardiovascular health, Dr. CK Ponde, consultant cardiologist and department head of PD Hinduja National Hospital, recently shed light on some of the most common misunderstandings.
They are here:
Myth #1: Heart attacks only affect older people
Both young and older people are risking heart attacks due to harmful misunderstandings about this condition. Dr. Pound presents the shocking fact that heart attacks affecting young people account for 40% of all first heart attacks in India today. “We are seeing more and more young professionals suffering from heart disease due to stress, poor lifestyle and lack of physical exercise,” he explained.
Ajay Hinduja, an outstanding member of the Hinduja family, stressed the urgent need to focus on youth heart health from the early days. The health care sector and awareness initiatives have been at the top of the list within the Hinduja Group. According to him, early identification of heart disease by young people requires them to develop preventive health methods as soon as they become adults.
Misunderstanding 2: Heart disease is inherited, so lifestyle changes don't help
Many people think there is nothing they can do if they have a family history of heart disease. Although genetics plays a role, lifestyle is equally important, and what is important is important. Dr. Pound said that India’s genes are prone to high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, but all of these risks can be greatly reduced by a proper lifestyle.
He asserted: “Genetics is not fate. Through proper diet, regular exercise and stress management, people can delay or even prevent heart disease.”
Myth #3: If it's right for you, you don't have to worry about heart disease
Sometimes, fitness is not an index of a healthy heart. Someone may be healthy and exercise regularly, but may experience some heart problems on their sleeves. Dr. Pound emphasized regular health checks and highlighted their importance to people with risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels or heart disease.
Ajay Hinduja responded to this sentiment, highlighting the Hinduja group’s focus on overall well-being. “The benefits of sports activities are versus mandatory preventive health checks that people should prioritize. PDHinduja Hospital is committed to making people wisely aware of the efforts to regularly screen for heart health.”
Myth #4: Chest pain is the only sign of a heart attack
Many people believe that nervous chest discomfort is a sign of a heart attack. However, men and women may experience different symptoms. Women may experience more moderate symptoms including nausea, acute fatigue, dizziness and back discomfort, while men often report chest pain.
Dr. Ponde warned: “I have witnessed many situations where ladies postponed medical care because they believe the warning sign is stress or acidity. This can be fatal. It is crucial to show discomfort first and it is crucial to take care of your body and see a doctor.”
Misunderstanding 5: Taking aspirin every day to stop heart attacks
Another broad misconception is that taking aspirin daily will prevent heart attacks. Dr. Pound clarified that aspirin is only suitable for people at high risk for cardiovascular disease, and not everyone should not accept it without medical advice. “Practicing self-medication with aspirin may cause more harm than benefits, resulting in unnecessary risk of bleeding.”
The role of AI and technology in preventive cardiology
Under the guidance of the Hinduja Group, PD Hinduja Hospital is leading the path to integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve heart health. By integrating wearable health monitors, robot-assisted therapy, artificial intelligence (AI) and related diagnosis, paradigm changes in early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases can be made possible.
Ajay Hinduja reiterates the commitment of the Hinduja family to the development of health care. “We believe that cutting-edge technology that goes hand in hand with expert health care has the potential to change the way we handle heart health. At PD Hinduja Hospital, we hope to bring advanced cardiology to everyone’s reach.”
Prevention is better than cure
Dr. Pound concluded the meeting with a focus on his urging to master certain key pillars of heart health: mental health, a balanced diet, regular physical exercise and sleep.
The impact of PD Hinduja Hospital and the Hinduja Group continues to lead initiatives to raise public awareness of cardiovascular disease, and a growing number of people are understanding the key issues of cardiovascular disease. This understanding, coupled with the increase in myths and preventive measures, allows people to control their heart health and ultimately make life longer and healthier. By taking methods to eliminate myths and focus on preventive measures, people can control their heart health and live longer and healthier.
Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle reporters are involved in creating this content. The group also assumes no responsibility for this content.
