CHANDIGARH,04.05.24-Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern in India, responsible for a significant number of deaths each year. Risk factors of cardiovascular diseases mainly hypertension, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and stress are much more common in India than in the Western countries. Heart diseases is not exclusive to men; it also affects women and is the leading cause of death in women and even young women are not spared. Data of previous 3 years from PGIMER have showed that 13-15% of women who suffered from cardiovascular diseases were less than 50 years of age. Sadly, risk factors of heart diseases are much more common in women. The females with heart diseases have worse outcome than men.

In a recent study, Dr Neelam, Associate Professor of Cardiology, PGIMER Chandigarh showed that 44% women who suffered cardiovascular disease were obese and only 1 % of them had adequate fruit intake in their daily diet. Women also had poor awareness about heart disease and associated risk factors. Despite these known facts, knowledge sharing and awareness about risk factors from health care workers is minimal . Only 47% of the women were advised to reduce salt intake and less than 30% were adviced to quit smoking and consume adequate fruits. Research like this is widely read and discussed among the medical fraternity, however, non-medicos largely remain ignorant of such important facts .

It this CME, Dr Lipi Uppal Assistant Professor, cardiology, GMCH discussed about the rising burden of heart disease amongst women. Dr Neelam Kaul, senior cardiologist discussed conventional and emerging women specific risk factors of heart diseases . Dr Ruchi Gupta discussed various tools to know future risk of heart diseases and when to seek specialist care. Stress is among one of the major risk of heart diseases in India. Obesity leads to many diseases like heart failure blood clotting and diabetes. Dr Rama Walia Endocrinologist from PGI discussed all the adverse outcomes and management of obesity . As shown in various studies, Indian diet is not heart healthy diet , Indians consume more salt and sugar and less of vegetables and fruits. Dr Nancy stressed about importance of healthy diet and how to consume a balanced diet even in a hectic work schedule.

Sedentary life style is the root cause of all risk factors of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension and obesity. Most of the working women don’t do any form of physical activity like exercise because of the dual responsibility of work and family . Dr Somya Saxena, shed light on importance of being physically active and shed light on simple/practical steps of doing physical activity at home/workplace.

Today’s demanding work schedule leads to inevitable stress that bring unhealthy sleep habits in people . Dr Ritu Nehra, Clinical psychologist discussed the importance of healthy sleeps habits and enumerated the ways to get healthy sleep.

India has been declared “ Cancer capital of world” . In women most common cancer are breast cancer , cervical cancer and ovarian cancers. In India one in nine person would have some sort of cancer .If detected early these cancer will have good outcome . Dr Sonia puri emphasized that best modality to prevent cancer is through proper awareness and early screening leads to healthy outcome.

Yoga is now considered a complete form of mind and body relaxation and is regaining its importance nowadays . Whether to chose gymming or yoga is always a dilemma amongst everyone. Dr Babita Ghai, deptt of Anesthesia, PGI and Dr Jincy Sundaran (yoga and naturopathy physician) discussed pros and cons of yoga versus gymmning and was concluded that one must chose any form of physical activity as per his/her own preference but the activity must be of moderate intensity.
Dr Vijay Laxmi Belakundari concluded the conference by listing some tips that can be incorporated into daily life which can enhance overall well-being and ensure a healthy lifestyle.