Tag: best cardiologist in bangalore

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Navigating Epilepsy in Children: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Precautions

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, affecting individuals of all ages, including children. The journey of managing epilepsy in children involves accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and diligent precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricacies of epilepsy in children, focusing on how to make the correct diagnosis, outline effective treatment strategies, and highlight important precautions for caregivers.

Understanding Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy manifests differently in children compared to adults, presenting unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Seizures in children can vary widely in type, frequency, and severity, making it crucial for healthcare providers to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in observing and reporting seizure episodes, including their duration, triggers, and accompanying symptoms.

Making the Correct Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective epilepsy management. It typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating clinical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic tests. In children, obtaining a detailed medical history from parents or caregivers is essential, as it can provide valuable insights into potential triggers and seizure patterns.

Diagnostic tests commonly used in the evaluation of childhood epilepsy include:

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test records the brain’s electrical activity and can help identify abnormal patterns indicative of epilepsy.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans provide detailed images of the brain, aiding in the detection of structural abnormalities or lesions that may be causing seizures.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify metabolic or genetic conditions associated with epilepsy.
  • Video EEG Monitoring: Continuous video EEG monitoring allows healthcare providers to observe and record seizures as they occur, providing valuable information for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Strategies

Once a diagnosis of epilepsy is established, the goal of treatment is to achieve seizure control while minimising side effects and optimising the child’s quality of life. Treatment strategies may include:

  • Medication: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy in children. The choice of medication depends on factors such as seizure type, frequency, and the child’s age and overall health.
  • Dietary Therapy: For some children with epilepsy, dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diet may be recommended, particularly if seizures are not adequately controlled with medication alone.
  • Surgery: In cases where seizures are resistant to medication and are localised to a specific area of the brain, surgical intervention may be considered to remove the seizure focus or disconnect abnormal neural pathways.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS therapy involves the implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, potentially reducing seizure frequency and severity.

Precautions for Caregivers

Caring for a child with epilepsy requires vigilance and proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being:

  • Medication Adherence: It’s crucial to administer antiepileptic medications as prescribed and maintain regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.
  • Seizure Safety Measures: Implementing safety precautions at home, school, and other environments can help minimise the risk of injury during seizures. This may include padding sharp corners, avoiding activities with a high risk of injury, and educating caregivers and school personnel about seizure first aid.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management can help support overall well-being and may contribute to better seizure control.
  • Education and Support: Providing education and support to the child with epilepsy and their family can help them navigate the challenges associated with the condition and improve their quality of life.

Beyond diagnosis: Role of a doctor

We at RRMCH through our years of experience believe that in epilepsy care, doctors play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management and their expertise is crucial in accurately identifying seizure types, determining appropriate treatment plans, and monitoring the patient’s progress. However, a doctor provides more help than just this to a child:

  • Emotional Support: Doctors provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families, helping them cope with the emotional impact of epilepsy. They offer empathy, guidance, and a supportive presence throughout the patient’s journey.
  • Education and Advocacy: Doctors raise awareness about epilepsy in the community and advocate for policies that promote epilepsy education, research, and access to care. They participate in public outreach initiatives, dispel myths surrounding epilepsy, and promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with the condition.
  • Empowerment: Doctors empower patients to take an active role in managing their epilepsy by providing information, resources, and tools for self-management. They encourage patients to advocate for their needs, make informed decisions about their care, and engage in lifestyle modifications that promote overall well-being.
  • Social and Legal Support: Doctors may provide guidance on navigating social and legal issues related to epilepsy, such as driving restrictions, employment accommodations, and disability benefits. They collaborate with social workers, legal advisors, and advocacy organisations to address these concerns and ensure patients’ rights are upheld.
  • Community Engagement: Doctors foster connections within the epilepsy community, facilitating support groups, educational workshops, and networking opportunities for patients and families. They promote a sense of belonging and solidarity among individuals affected by epilepsy, fostering a supportive network of peers and allies.

Conclusion

Epilepsy in children poses unique diagnostic and management challenges, requiring a tailored approach that takes into account the child’s age, developmental stage, and individual needs. You need a doctor and a hospital that can accurately diagnose the condition, implement appropriate treatment strategies, and take proactive precautions. caregivers can help children with epilepsy lead fulfilling lives while minimising the impact of seizures on their daily activities. Collaboration between healthcare providers, parents, caregivers, and educators is essential in supporting children with epilepsy and optimising their long-term outcomes.

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Exploring the Diverse Fields of Super Specialty Medicine: Advancements and Impact

Superspeciality medicine is the umbrella term for a wide range of medical specialities that are centred on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of specialised and complex medical diseases. Every super speciality field—from cancer to neurosurgery—represents a distinct area of knowledge, propelled by developments in science, technology, and clinical practice. We shall examine a few of the well-known subspecialty areas of super-specialised medicine in this blog, emphasising their developments, specialities, and effects on patient treatment and results.

Understanding Super Specialty Medicine

Superspeciality medicine refers to extremely specialised areas of medicine that address the identification, treatment, and management of particular illnesses, ailments, or organ systems. Advanced training, specific skills, and state-of-the-art technology are essential for these areas to offer patients with complicated medical demands the best possible care. Super specialised fields include but are not limited to, neurosurgery, transplant surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, oncology, and interventional cardiology.

Neurosurgery: Pioneering Precision in Brain and Spine Care

Neurosurgery is a super speciality area of medicine that treats disorders of the nervous system, spine, and brain surgically. Neurosurgeons are skilled in managing diseases like epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, brain tumours, and strokes through complex operations. Improvements in neurosurgery’s accuracy and efficacy have resulted in better patient outcomes and quicker recovery periods thanks to developments in robots, imaging technologies, and less invasive procedures.

Cardiothoracic Surgery: Innovations in Heart and Lung Care

The speciality of cardiothoracic surgery is the operation of the heart, lungs, and chest cavities. Cardiothoracic surgeons are adept in carrying out difficult operations like lung transplantation, heart valve replacement or repair, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Advances in surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive approaches, allow cardiothoracic surgeons to treat a variety of cardiovascular and thoracic problems with greater safety and efficacy for their patients.

Oncology: Targeted Therapies and Personalized Cancer Care

This area of medicine known as oncology focuses on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology are just a few of the subspecialties in which oncologists specialise and each focuses on a distinct facet of cancer treatment. Precision medicine and targeted therapies have made it possible for oncologists to customise treatment regimens to specifically target genetic mutations or molecular pathways that promote the growth of cancer. This has resulted in more effective and less harmful therapy alternatives for patients.

Cardiology: Advancements in Minimally Invasive Heart Care

A branch of cardiology called interventional cardiology specialises in minimally invasive methods for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. To improve cardiac function and restore blood flow to the heart, interventional cardiologists are competent in operations such as transcatheter valve replacement, stenting, and coronary angioplasty. Modern imaging and catheter-based procedures allow interventional cardiologists to provide patients with safer and more efficient alternatives to open heart surgery.

Transplant Surgery: Organ Donation and Transplantation

The surgical extraction and transplantation of organs or tissues from one person to another is known as transplant surgery. Specialists in transplant surgery include those who do kidney, liver, and heart transplants, among other procedures. Transplant surgery has become more successful as a result of improvements in immunosuppressive drugs and surgical methods, providing patients with end-stage organ failure with a fresh lease on life.

Advancements in Super Specialty Medicine

Superspeciality medicine is characterised by a persistent drive towards innovation and advancement. Advancements in medical science, technology, and surgical methods have completely transformed the way we identify and manage complicated illnesses. The frontiers of medical innovation are being pushed by super-speciality doctors, who are at the forefront of everything from targeted medicines and precision medicine techniques to minimally invasive surgical procedures.

For instance, improvements in imaging technology and catheter-based techniques have revolutionised the treatment of cardiovascular disorders in the field of interventional cardiology. Minimally invasive options for open heart surgery, such as stenting, angioplasty, and transcatheter valve replacement, provide patients with better results and shorter recovery times.

Similar to this, advances in robotics, imaging technologies, and surgical navigation systems have completely changed how neurological problems are treated in neurosurgery. With increased accuracy and precision, surgeons can now execute complex spine and brain surgeries with less risk of complications and better patient outcomes.

Challenges and Complexities

Superspeciality medicine has a great deal of promise to improve patient care, but it also has its own set of difficulties and complications. Navigating the complexities of these intricate medical issues takes specialised training and experience, and continuing education and professional development are necessary to retain skills in domains that are continually expanding.

Furthermore, in some areas, access to super-speciality care may be restricted, which can result in differences in the quality and outcomes of healthcare. Long wait periods for specialised visits, a lack of innovative treatments, and budgetary limitations are some of the obstacles that patients may encounter when trying to get the care they require.

Moreover, the exorbitant expenses associated with specialised equipment, technology, and pharmaceuticals may present fiscal difficulties for both healthcare establishments and patients. For healthcare systems around the world, striking a balance between the need for innovation and access to cutting-edge therapies and maintaining cost and sustainability continues to be a major problem.

Impact on Patient Care and Outcomes

Super speciality medicine has had a significant impact on patient outcomes and care despite these difficulties. Patients with complicated and potentially fatal illnesses can benefit from the experience of highly skilled professionals who use the newest equipment and methods to provide individualised, evidence-based care.

Furthermore, individuals with diseases that were previously thought to be incurable now enjoy higher survival rates, lower rates of morbidity, and better quality of life thanks to developments in super-speciality medicine. Millions of patients worldwide are impacted by super speciality medicine, from cancer patients undergoing focused therapy to heart transplant recipients receiving life-saving surgeries.

Superspeciality doctors not only treat current ailments but are essential in early diagnosis and preventative care, identifying and controlling risk factors before they become major health issues. Superspeciality professionals are working nonstop to expand medical knowledge and enhance people’s health and well-being globally through research, teaching, and collaboration.

Conclusion

Superspeciality medicine is the height of knowledge, creativity, and commitment to the medical field. Superspeciality doctors are expanding the field of medicine and revolutionising the diagnosis, treatment, and management of difficult diseases through technological, scientific, and surgical advances. Super speciality medicine has a profound effect on patient treatment and results, even though there are still obstacles to overcome. It gives people with some of the most difficult medical illnesses hope and healing. We can make sure that everyone who needs it may benefit from super-specialised medicine and live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives by investing in research, education, and access to specialised treatment.

Fascinated by the fields of super speciality? Super-speciality Admissions 2023-2024 have begun, so visit us at RRMCH and check for yourself which fields can be best for your medicinal journey. 

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Guardians of Your Lifeline: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Take Care of Your Heart

Your heart is your lifeline, tirelessly pumping blood throughout your body, ensuring the supply of oxygen and nutrients to every cell. However, the demands of modern life often lead us to neglect this vital organ. Taking care of your heart is essential for a longer, healthier life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of heart health and provide you with practical tips to keep your heart in tip-top shape.

Regular Exercise For Healthy Heart

Regular exercise is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy heart. Engaging in physical activity on a consistent basis can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall cardiovascular health. Here’s a guide to the types of exercise that are particularly beneficial for your heart:

Aerobic Exercise (Cardiovascular Exercise)

Aerobic exercise, also known as cardiovascular exercise, is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your heart and improve its overall function. This type of exercise gets your heart rate up and increases your breathing. It includes activities like:

  • Brisk Walking: A simple and accessible form of cardiovascular exercise that can be done almost anywhere.
  • Running: Provides an intense cardiovascular workout that can improve endurance and heart health.
  • Cycling: A low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints and can be done indoors or outdoors.
  • Swimming: A full-body workout that is easy on the joints and is excellent for cardiovascular fitness.
  • Aerobic Classes: Dance, step, or group exercise classes that combine movement and music.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, or a combination of both.

Strength Training

Strength training is vital for heart health, as it helps to build muscle mass, increase metabolism, and control weight. Lean muscle mass can improve overall cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease. Include exercises such as:

  • Weightlifting: Using free weights or resistance machines to work various muscle groups.
  • Bodyweight Exercises: Exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks can be effective for strength training.

Incorporate strength training into your routine at least two days a week.

Flexibility And Balance Exercises

Maintaining flexibility and balance is essential, especially as we age. These types of exercises can reduce the risk of falls and injuries, indirectly benefiting heart health. Include exercises like yoga or tai chi to improve balance, posture, and overall flexibility.

Consistency Matters

The key to reaping the heart-healthy benefits of exercise is consistency. It’s essential to make exercise a regular part of your lifestyle rather than a sporadic activity. Set achievable goals and create a routine that you can stick to over the long term.

Consult Your Doctor

Before starting a new exercise regimen, especially if you have underlying health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on the most suitable exercise program based on your individual health and fitness level.

Diet To Maintain A Healthy Heart

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is a powerful step in safeguarding your cardiovascular health. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. In this article, we’ll guide you through the dietary choices and habits that can keep your heart strong and ticking for years to come.

Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods: Opt for nutrient-dense foods to provide essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories. Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods supply the heart with the necessary nutrients for optimal function.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are brimming with antioxidants, fibre, and essential nutrients that benefit the heart. Aim for a colourful variety to ensure you receive a wide range of healthful compounds. Incorporate them into your meals, snacks, and smoothies.

Whole Grains: Whole grains like oats, brown rice, whole wheat, and quinoa are rich in fibre, which can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Make these grains the foundation of your carbohydrate choices to provide sustained energy and reduce heart disease risk.

Lean Proteins: Choose lean sources of protein such as fish, skinless poultry, legumes, and tofu. These options are lower in saturated fats and can replace red meat and processed meats in your diet, which are linked to heart disease when consumed excessively.

Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of unsaturated fats into your diet, including olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds. These fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and inflammation, contributing to a healthier heart. Minimise saturated and trans fats found in fried and processed foods.

Reduce Salt: High sodium intake can elevate blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease. Flavour your meals with herbs and spices instead of salt. Read food labels to identify hidden sources of sodium in processed foods, and limit your salt intake.

Limit Added Sugars: Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of heart disease. Minimise sugary beverages, sweets, and processed foods laden with added sugars. Opt for natural sources of sweetness like fruits.

Portion Control: Controlling portion sizes can help you manage calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight. Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating, which can strain the heart and lead to obesity.

Hydration: Adequate water intake is essential for heart health. Dehydration can strain the heart and increase the risk of blood clots. Drink enough water throughout the day, and reduce sugary or caffeinated beverages that can dehydrate you.

Your heart is your most precious asset, and taking care of it is a lifelong commitment. Thus, it deserves the best care you can give it, so start today and enjoy the benefits of a strong and happy heart.

When To Visit A Cardiologist?

It’s advisable to visit a cardiologist if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms related to your heart or cardiovascular system. Such symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeats, swelling in the legs or ankles, unexplained fatigue, or a family history of heart disease. Additionally, if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a history of smoking, it’s important to establish a relationship with a cardiologist for routine screenings and preventive care. Regular check-ups become more crucial as you age.

Furthermore, if your primary care physician recommends a cardiology consultation due to abnormal test results or other concerns, it’s essential to follow through with that recommendation. Cardiologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions, and they can provide expert guidance on maintaining heart health and managing any existing cardiac issues. Remember that early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes in heart disease, making timely visits to a cardiologist a valuable step in safeguarding your cardiovascular well-being.

Conclusion

Your heart is your most precious asset, and taking care of it is a lifelong commitment. By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of heart disease and pave the way for a longer, healthier life. Remember that small, consistent changes in your lifestyle can lead to significant improvements in your heart’s well-being. Your heart deserves the best care you can give it, so start today and enjoy the benefits of a strong and happy heart. Visit us at RRMCH to learn more such healthy tips.

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Know It All About Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging procedure that visualises the body’s blood vessels, particularly arteries and sometimes veins. It is employed to diagnose and evaluate various vascular conditions, most commonly in the coronary and cerebral arteries. During angiography, a contrast dye is injected into the bloodstream, which makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray or fluoroscopy images. This contrast dye allows medical professionals to pinpoint areas of blockages, narrowing, aneurysms, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels. The procedure is conducted in a specialised setting like a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory or interventional radiology suite.

Angiography is a valuable tool in modern medicine for diagnosing and guiding the treatment of vascular diseases. Know it all about Angiography and learn the different types of angiography and their essence in the field of medicine and if need be who can help you. 

Types Of Angiography

Angiography is a medical imaging technique used to visualise blood vessels in the body. There are several types of angiography, each tailored to specific medical purposes. Here are some common types:

Difference CategoryCoronary AngiographyPeripheral Angiography
PurposeCoronary angiography is used to visualise and assess the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. It is primarily a diagnostic tool to identify blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in these crucial arteries.Peripheral angiography is used to examine the blood vessels in the arms, legs, and other peripheral parts of the body. It helps in diagnosing and evaluating peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which involves blockages or narrowing in these vessels.
ProcedureA catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groyne or the radial artery in the wrist and guided through the vascular system to the coronary arteries. A contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray or fluoroscopy is used to capture images of the coronary arteries.Similar to coronary angiography, a catheter is inserted into a peripheral artery, often in the groyne, and advanced to the area of interest. Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray imaging is used to capture images of the peripheral arteries.
ApplicationsCoronary angiography is essential in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD), determining the location and severity of blockages, and guiding treatment decisions. It may lead to further interventions like angioplasty and stent placement to address identified blockages.Peripheral angiography is crucial for identifying the location, extent, and severity of blockages or stenosis in the peripheral arteries. It aids in planning appropriate treatment strategies, which may include angioplasty, stent placement, or other interventions to improve blood flow to the extremities.

While both coronary and peripheral angiography involve the use of catheters and contrast dye to visualise blood vessels, they are tailored to different regions of the body and serve distinct clinical purposes. Coronary angiography is specific to the heart’s coronary arteries and is primarily a diagnostic procedure for coronary artery disease, while peripheral angiography focuses on the peripheral blood vessels and is used to diagnose and guide the treatment of conditions affecting the limbs and other peripheral areas.

Why Are Angiography Used?

Angiography is used for various medical purposes due to its ability to visualise blood vessels within the body. It provides critical information for diagnosing and managing a wide range of vascular and cardiovascular conditions. Here are some common reasons why angiography is used:

Diagnostic Purposes

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Diagnosis: Coronary angiography helps diagnose CAD by visualising blockages and narrowing in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Diagnosis: Peripheral angiography is used to identify blockages or stenosis in the arteries of the arms, legs, and other extremities, which is crucial for diagnosing PAD.

Assessment of Vascular Anatomy

  • Cerebral Aneurysm Identification: Cerebral angiography is employed to detect and assess aneurysms in the blood vessels of the brain.
  • Vascular Malformations: Angiography helps identify arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other vascular abnormalities in various parts of the body.

Treatment Planning

  • Interventional Procedures: Angiography guides interventional treatments, such as angioplasty and stent placement, to address arterial blockages or other vascular issues.
  • Embolization: It can help direct the placement of embolic materials to block or restrict blood flow to specific areas, often used in cases like bleeding blood vessels or tumours.
  • Monitoring Blood Flow: Angiography can be used to monitor blood flow during surgery or other medical procedures, ensuring adequate perfusion to vital organs and tissues.

Preoperative Planning: In cases where surgical intervention is required, angiography can provide surgeons with a clear roadmap of the patient’s vascular anatomy, aiding in surgical planning.

Follow-up and Surveillance: After an initial diagnosis or intervention, angiography may be used to assess treatment outcomes and monitor the progression of vascular diseases over time.

Research and Education: Angiography is also used in medical research and education to further our understanding of vascular diseases and to train healthcare professionals in the techniques of vascular imaging and intervention.

Who Performs Angiography?

Angiography is performed by a specialised team of healthcare professionals. Interventional cardiologists and interventional radiologists are the primary specialists who conduct angiography procedures. They have advanced training and expertise in vascular imaging and interventions. These professionals are skilled in using catheters and guiding wires to access and navigate the blood vessels within the body. Additionally, a team of nurses, radiologic technologists, and support staff assists during the procedure, ensuring patient safety and comfort. The entire team collaborates to operate the equipment, administer contrast dye, and capture high-quality images of the blood vessels, enabling accurate diagnosis and, when necessary, immediate interventional treatments.

To Sum It Up

Angiography is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, and cerebral aneurysms. It provides detailed information about the location and extent of vascular issues, aiding doctors in making informed decisions regarding treatment. Depending on the findings, further interventional procedures, such as angioplasty and stent placement, can be performed during the same session to address blockages or abnormalities, ultimately improving blood flow and minimising the risk of complications.

Overall, angiography is a versatile and indispensable tool in modern medicine for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating a wide range of vascular and cardiovascular conditions. Its ability to provide real-time, high-resolution images of blood vessels is essential for making informed clinical decisions and improving patient outcomes. If you or your loved ones are struggling to find someone for angiography procedures visit us at RRMCH’s RajaRajeswari Heart Centre a medical institution that are equipped on the parameters of faculty competence, faculty welfare and development, research, innovation, pedagogic systems, placement and infrastructure promoting affordable yet 24/7 critical care.

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The Role Of Legumes In Heart Health

We all know how a nutritious and balanced diet can help us live longer by keeping heart ailments at bay. A recent study carried out to find out the role of legumes in heart health reveals that legumes. Though it’s never been easy to know the benefits of food on an individual basis.

Five color legumes for healthy , Soy bean, Navy bean or white bean, Black beam, Red bean and Green bean,

But, recently researchers of the review called Advances in Nutrition took up the task of understanding the significance of legumes like lentils, peas and beans etc. around heart health.

Primarily, they focused on cardiovascular diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction besides looking into hypertension, obesity and diabetes. They chose cardiovascular diseases because it is one of the most common causes of mortality and even one of the most expensive ones. It is known to cause US 1 billion dollars a day.

They used the data analysis of Eurpoean Association which recently carried out a series of systematic reviews as well as meta-analysis for Diabetics study. The researchers hope that these results could be quite a help in updating the recommendations already made around the role of legumes in preventing as well as treating cardio-metabolic diseases.

The data review and comparison with people with lowest and highest intake of legumes revealed that dietary pulses that had legumes which either did or did not include other legumes did decrease coronary heart disease, obesity incidence and hypertension.

Though the researchers were able to find a positive relationship between intake of legumes in higher amounts and reduction in certain parameters related to cardiovascular risks, the conclusion they came to are muted relatively.

As per the researchers “The overall certainty of the evidence was graded as low for CVD incidence and ‘very low for all the other outcomes.”

Therefore, the co author of the study Dr Hana Kahleova said “ Americans eat less than one serving of legumes per day, on average. Simply adding more beans to our plates could be a powerful tool in fighting heart disease and bringing down blood pressure.

*Sourced from Internet

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Sports Hobbies For Middle Aged Women – Benefits

A study around post-menopausal women published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reveals that physical activity that involves sports in leisure time helps in managing the blood lipid profile well, thus reducing cardiovascular conditions as blood lipid profile is a market of heart conditions.

As per Karvinen and his team, after menopause the risk of cardiovascular conditions increases significantly in women and lipid profile is a reliable marker to measure heart health. He and his colleagues investigated around 193 menopausal women participants of the age group 47-55 from Finland, registered for the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study. The study is co-authored by Dr Mathew Jergenson of Minnesota Medical School and University in Minneapolis. The reason behind conducting the study as per him was to explore if physical activity did have a role in cardiovascular risk factors.

He says “It is well known that physical activity has health benefits, yet it is less clear to what extent physical activity prevents negative changes in lipid profile while women are in their menopausal transition. The participants were monitored for physical activity levels in leisure time, generally and specifically also, using accelerometers and had to answer questions as well.

Leisure is the time that is not related to routine daily work be it housework or commuting and includes sport or recreation activities in free time.

The researchers found out that there was indeed a connection between more activities during leisure time and lowering of cholesterol levels particularly (LDL) as well as with high levels of cholesterol (HDL). Karvin reports that indeed the leisure time physical activities were related to healthy lipid profiles. But, that does not mean that the negative changes in lipid profile during menopause can be fully done away with due to leisure time sports activities.

The author also said that leisure time physical activities will underscore the adverse atherogenic changes in the cardiovascular risk factors in middle aged women who are healthy. Hence, sport related activities in leisure are good.

*Sourced from Internet

RRMCH is having Top most Physiotherapist in Bangalore

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Omega 3 Fatty Acids And Health Benefits

Some of us are definitely aware of omega 3 fatty acids and their benefits. But, many of us are not aware that fatty acids are present not only in animals but plants also. The animal based fatty acids include doosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). While the animal based omega 3 fatty acids comes from fish oils, plant based come from plant sources. These sources contain alpha-lionelic acid (ALA), that can be converted into Omega-3 fatty acids of the body.

But, most of us are only aware about the health benefits of animal based fish oils with EPA and DHA. But, many of us again aren’t aware about the amount of omega 3, fatty acids that our body requires, even though there is no set standard for intake of the same.

Many experts believe and recommend omega 3 fatty acids for people suffering from cardiovascular conditions particularly higher doses for people having high cholesterol levels. Prescribed medications that are FDA approved are available for people with conditions rather than the supplements.

Omega 3 acids are recommended only for adults and children should not be given any supplements of omega 3 acids before consulting the doctor. Though natural sources of omega 3 fatty acids can be consumed by all irrespective of ages, only if you have no significant allergies around the same.

Natural Sources of omega 3 fatty acids include Cod liver, Soybeans and tofu, Walnuts, Salmon, trout, tuna and sardines, to name a few. The international organization AHA recommends adults for males and females except pregnant women to increase the intake of omega 3 fatty acids

Even avoiding the intake of omega 6 fatty acids that include eggs, meat as well as oil can help in increasing the levels of omega 3 fatty acids in blood. Balancing of omega 3 fatty acids to that of omega 6 can help you manage many health conditions in a better way and reduce the risk of certain conditions as well. As per reports people in USA consume 14-25 times more omega 6 fatty acids as compared to omega 3 fatty acids and this imbalance is not good for health, certainly.

Having said that, omega 3 fatty acids supplements should not be consumed without consulting your physician because they do have certain side effects particularly pregnant women with a diabetes risk should avoid them.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Few Good Apps For Stroke Survivors

We all know that after you get a stroke it takes a long time for your body to come back to its normal functioning. India also is under a high stroke burden already. Across the world stroke is known to be the second most common cause of death. Ischemic strokes are known to account for over 87 percent of all strokes.

Stroke impacts various parts and functioning of the body. This includes mental health issues like depression and anxiety as well as movement issues like paralysis besides issues like bowel control loss, urinary incontinence, swallowing difficulty and visual impairment.

Though if the treatment is done immediately, the chances of recovery are faster. As per a survey the people who are provided critical care within 3 hours of first symptoms of stroke, have shown less disability post 3 months as compared to those who haven’t. In today’s tech times where there are applications available for all, lets run through some of the apps to help you with health and fitness after stroke

Medisafe – This is one app that is like an assistant to you. It reminds you of your doses and tracks your intake too so that you do not miss or double up by mistake. If you are on drugs you do tend to forget your doses.

Constant Therapy – This app is designed for people that are trying to recover from stroke, aphasia or brain injury. It is loaded with 65 different task categories, over a lac different exercises and over 10 difficulty levels. It is developed by scientists at the Boston University.

Cozi – This app is able to manage multiple schedules and is an ideal solution for stroke survivors who are under the care of multiple survivors. It includes a calendar that is color coded and helps manage days with reminders for medications, appointments and more. Managing groceries is also easy as the app comes with to do lists and helps ensure that nothing is missed.

Stop, Breathe & Think – This is an app that concentrates on reducing stress which is known to be a high risk factor for strokes. The main objective of the app is to reduce stress so as to curb the risk of strokes in the future. With meditation, acupressure, meditation and breathing exercises videos it helps calm you and bring you peace from within.

VocalEyes AI – Stroke can sometimes damage the brain areas which takes care of signals from the eyes. This can affect the eyes and lead to double vision or vision loss of a part. Vocaleyes acts as the computer vision for the visually challenged. With the help of machine learning it helps users with identification of objects the are deal with on a daily basis. You need to simply take a photo and the app will tell you what it is including currency denominations, faces, emotions, text, brands and more.

Well, Technology is upgrading day by day and it has already proved to be a boon too in many ways than one.

*Sourced from the Internet

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After 50 Alcohol Consumption Ain’t That Risky?

Addiction to alcohol ain’t good for your health, is what we are all aware off. The consequences of the same include cancers of certain type, liver damage, and heart as well as brain disease too. Having said that there are studies about health benefits of drinking in limit as well. One such recent study has found that alcohol intake in moderation does protect against mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.

After 50 Alcohol Consumption

The study published in Journal of Alcohol and Drugs and lead by a team of Boston medical center in Massachusetts presents a fresh approach towards the long going debate on whether moderate drinking is good for health.

As per the researchers, the studies carried out earlier were not accurate enough. The reason was that the study included participants of age above 50. The researchers argue that people who have passed away before 50 due to alcohol consumption are not included in the study. Hence, people who aren’t alive cannot participate in a cohort study.

As per Dr. Timothy Naimi, alcohol addicts who are alive at 50 could have been healthy before and also could have been drinking within limits also. The authors were of the opinion that around 40 percent of the deaths due to alcohol intake were before the age of 50 years, meaning the deaths due to alcohol intake are not taken into consideration at all leading to ignoring the dangers of it.

The analysis showed that age played a major role in the risk levels associated with alcohol. The rate of alcohol related deaths in people between the age group of 20 – 49 was 35.8 percent. They also studied individual of age above 65 years. The study did show that over 35 percent of the deaths occurred due to alcohol intake but they also found that around 80 percent of the deaths in this age group.

They also found a vast difference when they took into consideration the age group of 20-49 years and the lost number of years. The number of years saved by drinking were around 14.5 percent only.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Rehabilitation After Bypass Surgery for Diabetics

Bypass surgery or CABG (Coronary artery bypass grafting) is done to restore the blood flow in the blocked arteries by creating a bypass to the heart using arteries from other parts of the body. But, this does not mean that the patient is free from coronary heart disease. The coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis progress does not stop and the fatty material does continue to deposit on the artery walls thus turning them narrow and reducing blood flow to other sites as well.

Hence, the patient has to take help of the healthcare provider after surgery to work on the factors that lead to coronary heart disease progress and treat the existing one. The following treatments can help you cope up with the surgery and lead a healthy life post surgery.

Rehabilitation After by Pass Surgery

Medications
Usually the patient is discharged post 5 days of surgery but in case of complications they patient may have to stay longer. The patient and family members are made to understand about the medications, doses, diet and rehabilitation plan. The medications are designed to improve survival rate, decrease the risk of complications and also treat the chest pain if it reoccurs. The medications include Beta blockers, Nitrates as well as ACE inhibitors and are given based on patient’s condition. A therapy called lipid lowering therapy is generally given to all patients after CABG and is recommended to patients with normal lip levels as well. The most common medications used for lowering cholesterol levels are called Statins.

Wound Healing – The patient is given instruction around taking care of the wound before he or she is discharged from the hospital. It is very important the patient adheres to these instruction else complications could arise. The patient needs to avoid lifting heavy objects, bending or driving entirely besides fast shoulder movements like golf or tennis for atleast 6 to 8 weeks.
Alarms – If the patient develops any of the following symptoms within 14 days of the surgery, seek immediate medical assistance.

  • Rapid heart beats
  • Reddened skin, bleeding or Pus like discharge from incision
  • Fever more than 100.4 degree F

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Rehabilitation
Many hospitals have rehabilitation programs designed for people who have undergone rehabilitation. They are comprehensive and well-structured and include components of health care like stress, anxiety and depression healing, reducing risk factors and exercise.

Exercise – The intensity and period of exercises varies from patient to patient and the coronary heart disease condition as well. Initially the exercises are less and eventually they are increased. The exercise plan is devised after considering heart health, fitness level of the patient, supervised or not, limitations and more. It can start from 5 minutes a day for five days a week and go on to 20 minutes over a period of time, which includes warmup, exercise and cooling down. The cooling down phase is important as avoiding it may increase the risk of complications related to the heart.

Cardiac Risk Factors management
Healthy Diet – A dietician usually prepares a chart that needs to be followed by the patient in order to lose weight as well as reduce cholesterol levels.
Go addiction free – Addictions like smoking or alcohol can be too harmful and hence should be stopped completely in order to reduce the risk of heart attack.

Diabetes Management – People with diabetes are at higher risk of getting complications after surgery. Hence, it is vital to control blood sugar levels. This can be achieved by maintaining a healthy life style, keeping blood sugar under control, besides diabetes medication orally or insulin as prescribed.

Psychological Treatment – After bypass the patient can feel depressed, anxious and stressed. Its more common in women who undergo CABG at a young age.

Follow Ups– The doctor will tell you about the hospital visits after the surgery. Following the routine of visits set by the doctor will help you avoid any kind of recurrence of heart problems. As health improves the visits may decrease and there could be a change in the health plan.

 

Rajarajeswari hospital is one of the Best Cardiologist in Bangalore, It provides all type of cardiology services with cutting edge facilities advance cardiac

 

*Sourced from the Internet