Speaker Event – Being Heart Healthy Dr. Ranjan Shetty

 On Monday,September 9 the Chief Guest,Dr Ranjan Shetty addressed the members on ‘Being Heart Healthy’. He is HOD & Consultant – Department of Cardiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore. He is an expert in Coronary, Congenital Structural & Peripheral intervention and has performed more than 3000 angioplasties – very complex coronary and non-coronary interventions,

 Dr Ranjan Shetty elaborated that the LDL or Bad Cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of blood vessels [arteries].  Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for sufficient blood to flow through the arteries. Sometimes those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.  High cholesterol is also hereditary [gene based] but it is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable.

A healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol.  Generally, process plaque formations starts in the second decade of human life and hence, it important to get this measured annually post the age of 30.  LDL levels in excess of 190 mg calls for medical attention and Doctors may prescribe Statins.  Statins are most effective at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol; lower triglycerides (blood fats) and raise HDL (good) cholesterol.  We should not ignore symptoms such as heaviness/pain in the chest, aching sensation in chest spreading to neck, jaws and arms, sudden breathlessness, sweating, fatigue and sudden dizziness as these could lead towards a heart related condition. High glucose levels in the blood can increase blood pressure as the blood vessels lose their ability to stretch. The fluid in the body increases, especially if diabetes is already affecting the kidneys. Insulin resistance may involve processes that increase the risk of hypertension. Heart related diseases are Number 1 reason for death in India as far as non-communicable diseases are concerned. Smoking should be avoided and liquor consumption should be in moderation [60 Ml max per day]. Balanced diet coupled with 30 to 40 minutes of exercise on a daily basis will keep the heart healthy

He was very lively and had an excellent sense of humor as well.  He patiently took many questions from the members  and made the  talk interactive. The  members  immensely benefited from Dr. Shetty’s talk. And as a parting shot he said “.  Take care of your heart and it will take of you for life!!