Aligarh : Renowned cardiologists from across the country discussed evidence based effective strategies for reducing the risk of heart diseases and cardiovascular problems in the Cardioprevent-2022 conference of the Cardiological Society of India, U.P Chapter on the theme, ‘Healing patients needs more than science: It needs a holistic approach’ held today at the Department of Cardiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
Attending the inaugural function as the Chief Guest, AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof Tariq Mansoor remarked: “Everybody has a heart and we all are anxious about the risks of heart diseases and cardiovascular problems”.
He pointed out: There is remarkable evidence to support the benefits of the Mediterranean dietary pattern for keeping heart problems away. In sum, the diet of people in the Mediterranean countries influences multiple modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, offering surprising possibilities for heart disease prevention.
Prof Mansoor pressed the need for providing cardiologists specialised training in finding, treating, and preventing any disease related to the heart and blood vessels.
He further said that the Department of Cardiology at JNMC is doing a great service to the people of the lower economic strata by providing them the best health care at affordable cost.
The Vice Chancellor also felicitated Padmashree, Dr S C Manchanda (Renowned cardiologist, Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi).
“Whenever we treat ourselves with high-calorie meals, our heart is pining for something else. Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices and taking control of your cardiovascular risk factors can help prevent heart diseases—so stay active; limit the consumption of red meat, sugar and unhealthy fats; quit smoking; know your cholesterol levels and keep your weight under control”, urged Prof Mohammad Gulrez (Pro Vice Chancellor and Guest of Honour of the programme).
In the welcome address, Prof MU Rabbani (Dean, Faculty of Medicine; Chairman, Department of Cardiology and President, Cardiological Society of India, U.P Chapter) said: “Cardiological Society of India is vibrant in its accommodative and state-of-art approach and apart from dealing with the challenges of tackling cardiovascular diseases; the society is also focused on the preventive aspects with emphasis on leading a healthy lifestyle.
“Heart attack is like a volcanic eruption, where things go on for years under the ground before the eruption. Cardiac arrests do not do not occur in a day, the problem keeps developing for months and people usually ignore the signs. This conference is specifically designed to see how heart attacks can be prevented”, he added.
Prof Rakesh Bhargava (Principal, JNMC) stressed: “Regular medical follow-up is one of the best ways to prevent cardiovascular disease. Individuals who stop their cardiovascular medications are at higher risk”.
He emphasised “Everyday decisions are important to cardiovascular health and people should adapt lifestyle changes before they notice early signs of cardiovascular problems”.
Dr Aditya Kapoor (President Elect, Cardiological Society of India, U.P Chapter) said that this iconic meeting, Cardioprevent-2022 conference with scientific programmes and sessions will help the health workers immensely in guiding and supporting patients with customised program plans based on their personal risk factor profile using cognitive behavioural and behaviour change strategies.
Dr Sharad Chandra (Honorary Secretary, Cardiological Society of India, U.P Chapter) called for the need for supporting health care providers through the deployment of cardiovascular diseases preventive care models.
He further said: “The most proximal risk factors for cardiovascular problems are health behaviours, including poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, and cigarette smoking. Notably, these unhealthy lifestyle practices strongly influence blood pressure, lipid/ lipoprotein levels, and glucose-insulin homeostasis”.
Prof Asif Hasan recalled the beginnings of the Department of Cardiology and the Cath Lab at JNMC.
He said: “The specialised department providing the best cardiac health care began with a Cath Lab. It is a matter of pride that the Cath Lab now features on the National Intervention Council (NIC) website”.
Dr Padmanabhan Gopalan (Chief Scientific Anchor and Protocol Advisor of Academics) conducted the programme and Dr Salman Shah extended the vote of thanks.
