Author: <span>Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan</span>

Things that are beneficial for people with diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The problem of diabetes has become quite common. Controlling the blood sugar level in the body is very important in the case of diabetes. In such a situation, if you also have the problem of diabetes, then let’s know what you should eat during this time and what things should be kept away from

The problem of diabetes has become quite common in today’s time. Maintaining the blood sugar level of the body is very important in the case of diabetes. In such a situation, by taking a balanced diet, sugar patients can control their blood sugar levels.

There are two types of diabetes – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes:-.

  • Type 1 Diabetes- Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. It is found in children or youth. It is an autoimmune disease. In this, the body stops making insulin. That is the cells of the body attack and destroy the pancreatic cells that make insulin. Type 1 diabetes can occur at an early age or even from birth.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – There can be many reasons for type 2 diabetes. The main reason for this is obesity, hypertension, and poor lifestyle.  In this, less amount of insulin is made in the body. In this, either insulin is made less in the body or the cells of the body are not sensitive to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is found mostly in adults.

If you are a type 2 diabetes patient, then let’s know what you should and should not eat to reduce your blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life.

Type 2 diabetes patients should eat these things: –

  • Patients with type 2 diabetes should consume such things in which the amount of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals is very high.
  • Apart from this, it is important that you include such things in your diet in which healthy fat is found. Healthy fat helps in maintaining the cholesterol level in the body.

Type 2 diabetes patients should include these things in their diet:-

  •  Fruits (apples, oranges, berries, melons, peaches)
  •  Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumber)
  •  Whole grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice)
  •  Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
  •  Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews)
  •  Seeds (Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Flax Seeds, Hemp Seeds)
  •  Protein-rich items (seafood, tofu, low-fat red meat)
  •  Black coffee, dark tea, vegetable juice

Patients with type 2 diabetes should not consume these things:- 

  •  High-fat meat
  •  Full-fat dairy products (fat milk, butter, Cheese)
  •  Sweet things (candies, cookies, sweets, baked goods, ice creams)
  •  Sweetened beverages (juice, soda, sweet tea, sports drinks)
  •  Sweeteners (Table Sugar, Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup)
  •  Processed food (chips, processed meats, microwave popcorn)
  •  Trans Fats (Fried Foods, Dairy Free Coffee Creamers)

Keep an eye on carbohydrate intake:-

Patients with type 2 diabetes can lower their blood sugar levels by consuming a limited amount of carbs. In such a situation, it is important that you take care of how many carbs you are taking in the meal. Let’s know which things contain carbohydrates-

  • Wheat, white rice.
  • Dried beans, pulses, and other legumes
  • Foods containing potatoes and other starches
  • Fruits and fruit juices
  • Milk and Yogurt (curd)
  • Processed Snacks

What is Keto Diet?

Keto diet is a low carb diet with emphasis on foods rich in proteins and fats. Such as meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, cheese, nuts and seeds. The keto diet includes non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and other leafy vegetables.

It excludes high-carb items including cereals, dry beans, root vegetables, fruits and sweets. It has been revealed in some reports that low carb diet helps in controlling blood sugar level in diabetic patients. This can also improve cholesterol level.

According to a study conducted in the year 2018, consuming a low-carb diet can improve blood sugar levels as well as reduce insulin resistance. Thanks for reading

Heart Attacks and Young People…Here’s Why:

A blog about the growing number of heart attacks amongst young people.

It’s no secret that heart attacks have always been an issue for those who are middle aged and above. But what about young people? Are young people having a higher risk of heart attack than ever before? Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among Indians, and that risk progresses exponentially with obesity. 

It is surprising that so many Indians are unaware of the general prevalence of heart failure in adults, given that it is a leading cause of death worldwide. Although heart failure kills an estimated 20% of Indians with the disease—a total of 1.6 million Indians in 2012. India accounts for one out of five, of all non-communicable diseases related deaths worldwide, and most of these deaths occur among younger populations. 

The World Health Organization revealed that India accounts for 20% of all non-communicable diseases related deaths worldwide and most of these deaths are from the younger population. The Global Burden of Disease study stated that the cardiovascular disease death rate in India is 272 per 100,000 people, which is notably higher than the global average of 235.

There are many factors behind this trend, which makes it hard to pinpoint just one reason why this is happening. Some say heart disease is on the rise because younger people are in worse health than they’ve been in the past due to lifestyle choices such as too much fast food and less activity.

Reasons Why Heart Disease in young people is on the Rise in India

There are many factors that can lead to heart disease. Some of these include:

  1. Smoking or being exposed to smoke at a young age – Smoking increases blood pressure levels which can increase the risk of developing heart problems later on in life.
  2. Poor diet (high fat content) and lack of physical activity – A diet high in fat causes cholesterol levels to rise in the body which can lead to clogged arteries and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
  3. Lack of proper rest and sleep – Lack of proper rest and sleep can cause a number of problems throughout your body. If you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system will be weakened
  4. Family history of heart problems – A family history of heart problems refers to a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease based on their parent(s) or other close relatives’ medical history. Cardiovascular disease includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
  5. Sedentary lifestyle- A lifestyle that involves little physical activity. This can include sitting or lying down for long periods of time, such as during a commute to and from work, or while working at a desk job. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even death.
  6. Stress – Stress can trigger chemical changes in the body that increase adrenaline levels which can speed up your heart rate and make it harder for your arteries to relax thereby increasing your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as angina or blocked arteries which may require surgery or medication to treat them

To reduce your risk of developing heart disease, follow these tips:

  1. You need to know your numbers:

     First, calculate your total cholesterol. To do so, add up the numbers for your HDL (high-            density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. If you’re between 100 and 199, then you’re in the normal range. If your number is below 200 mg/dL, then you are at a lower risk for heart disease. If it’s above 200 mg/dL, then you should consider making changes to reduce this number.

Next, calculate your blood pressure. Again, if it’s between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg, then it’s considered normal—but if it’s higher than that range, then steps should be taken to lower it over time through diet and exercise changes (or medication).

  1. Eat healthy foods: Choose whole grains instead of white breads and pastas, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. These foods are full of nutrients that help keep your cardiovascular system healthy.
  2. Watch what you drink: Limit alcohol consumption because too much booze can increase blood pressure levels in the body and cause other complications associated with heart disease development. Drink plenty of water every day instead.
  3. Exercise regularly: The Indian Heart Association recommends 30 minutes per day at least five days per week for adults between ages 18-65 years old; however, this should be modified based on individual needs and abilities.
  4. Avoid smoking or drinking heavily: Smoking is not just bad for your health, it’s also bad for your family (passive smoking). It can cause a wide range of issues, from reduced lung capacity to an increased risk of heart disease. If you’re a smoker or drink heavily, it’s important to make changes in your lifestyle to avoid any negative effects.

Did You Know What a Thoracic Aortic Dissection Is?

What is the Aorta?

The aorta is undoubtedly the largest and most important blood vessel in the human body. It originates in the heart and passes through two chambers, the thorax, and the abdomen until it undergoes a division at the level of the navel.

During its journey, it emits arterial branches rich in oxygenated blood, which goes to the arms, the brain, and all the vital organs such as the kidneys, intestines, and lower limbs, among others.

The dissection of the thoracic aorta is a break of its inner wall, called the inner layer. When this rupture occurs, the aorta internally divides in two, and blood can be distributed unevenly between the organs.

The incidence of aortic dissection in the world is about 6 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year.

Causes of thoracic aortic dissection

Thoracic aortic dissection usually occurs due to structural problems in the wall of this vessel. Didactically we can separate them into two groups:

  • The first is the one in which the patient, severely hypertensive and a long-term smoker, on average 60 years of age, will present chronic damage to the inner layer of the aorta, until one day it may rupture. There are times when the patient already has a dilated aorta that precedes the dissection.
  • The second is a group of younger patients, 30 to 40 years old, who suffer from genetic diseases such as Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, and Turner Syndrome among others, or have a structural change in the heart called the bicuspid aortic valve. Some of these genetic syndromes involve collagen problems, and patients have structural changes in the middle layer of the aorta, which may one day be dissected.

Other less frequent situations, but that can also be triggers for aortic dissection, are pregnancy, trauma, and the use of illicit drugs, especially cocaine.

Symptoms of thoracic aortic dissection

The most common symptom in the acute phase is severe chest pain. Some patients report having the distinctive sensation of something breaking or tearing within them.

The main differential diagnosis is acute myocardial infarction. Other mild chest pains, such as muscle pain or dyspeptic seizures (gastritis), can also be considered.

Pain in the neck, back, or abdomen may also be reported.

Treatment for thoracic aortic dissection

Initial treatment consists of stabilizing the patient’s blood pressure, sometimes with intravenous therapy and rapid reconstructive surgery if a risk of cardiac tamponade or organ system ischemia is identified.

When the initial portion of the ascending aorta is affected, close to the outlet of the heart, it is usually necessary to perform open surgery, opening the sternum, and change the diseased portion of the aorta for a Dacron prosthesis.

Most ischemic organ correction techniques and interventions in other portions of the Aorta now receive full endovascular therapy, with less patient morbidity and faster recovery.

For more information on this disease and treatment options, consult Dr. Ritwick Raj Bhuyan.

Director: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre, Okhla
New Delhi, India
——–
For Appointments
P| +91 9870217444
P| +91 9911065980
P| +91 9999802642
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Email: cardiacsurgeryonline@gmail.com

How does SARS Covid-19 affect the health heart?

The damage that the coronavirus can produce in the heart is not only through thrombotic phenomena, but it also produces direct damage, affecting both the arteries (it would condition acute myocardial infarction) and the heart muscle (arrhythmias or heart failure).

Of all patients infected by Coronavirus, 40% are asymptomatic compared to 60% symptomatic (28% of these require admission to intensive care areas) and many of them die, especially patients with previous pathologies or the elderly. 

The main symptoms of SARS-CoV2 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and other less common symptoms. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure or arrhythmias are the most common comorbidity in patients affected by Covid-19. They are present in all phases of the disease and condition mortality.

Clotting, thrombus formation, and heart failure

The pathophysiological mechanism by which the virus affects the cardiovascular system is not fully established, but it has been described that the virus generates altered coagulation, which conditions the formation of thrombi, with platelet aggregation, causing an increase in stroke, infarction myocardial or peripheral thrombosis.

The virus also causes direct damage affecting the arteries and the heart muscle, increasing the possibility of acute myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, or heart failure, even in patients without previous heart disease. Heart attacks are not as common as strokes, but they have been shown to kill five times more than SARS-CoV2 patients.

For this reason, patients affected by the virus in advanced stages or at increased risk of thrombosis should be anticoagulated to prevent complications. Whereas, patients with previous heart failure have a higher risk of being admitted to the intensive care unit and require greater care.

Patients with previous pathologies

It has been seen that patients with previous cardiovascular disease (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or previous heart disease) and patients with obesity have a worse prognosis.

And it has been described that among patients admitted with Coronavirus, the percentage of patients with a cardiovascular history reaches up to 40%, including cardiovascular disease (15%), hypertension (15%), and diabetes (20%).

Also, age older than 60 years, male sex, and the presence of comorbidities are the main factors associated with the severity of the SARS-CoV2 condition and mortality.

Medium and long-term cardiac consequences

The effect of Covid-19 in the acute phase of the disease has been studied, but its effect in the medium-long term is unknown. Cardiac MRI studies have been performed after the acute phase, and involvement of the cardiac muscle with decreased left ventricular function has been described above all, which could lead to long-term cardiac complications.

Also, it has recently been described that patients with mild infection in the acute phase, at three months of follow-up may present multiorgan involvement, which highlights the importance of close follow-up in patients.

Everything described, associated with the great impact that the pandemic has had on the health system, indicates the need for continued investigation of the long-term cardiovascular consequences of the Coronavirus and the different consequences that it can leave.

What you should know…

  • After 10 days of the disease, an inflammatory response predominates, affecting various organs, including the cardiovascular system.
  • It has been seen that patients with previous cardiovascular disease (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or previous heart disease) and patients with obesity have a worse prognosis.

 

How To Reduce The Risk Factors Of Cardiovascular Disease!

Are you interested in reducing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Do you want to have a healthy and robust heart?

A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: people who exercise little are twice as likely to have a heart attack and three times more likely to die from the attack than people who exercise regularly.

Regular physical activity is one of the most critical elements for reducing cardiovascular risk and is one factor that can be changed without drug treatment, but only with a little effort. With regular physical activity, the heart becomes more robust and more resistant to fatigue.

Aerobic activity increases the body’s demand for oxygen and increases the heart and lungs’ workload, making the heart and circulation more efficient.

A trained heart pumps more blood without additional expenditure of energy. Exercise regularly decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The good news is that you can change certain bad habits that are endangering your heart health with a little effort. Change these habits below.

Spending too much time sitting

Do you exercise regularly? Perfect! If you spend most of the time sitting, it could be a problem. Your body needs to stay active throughout the day, even if it involves small actions.

In case you have an office job, it is essential to take a short walk at least every hour to promote blood circulation. You can walk around in the office to activate your leg’s blood circulation and give your back and neck some rest. Keep moving is easier than you think.

Are you watching your favourite show? How about doing some neck and eyes exercise during commercial breaks? You can also use a treadmill or exercise bike while watching TV.

Believing yourself too young

Postponing the necessary health checkups on your health and heart is a prevalent thing nowadays. Exercising, eating a healthy diet, knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are habits to cultivate as soon as possible.

It will not only improve your health but your body as well. The perfect time to take care of the heart and body health is now.

You do not know the raw numbers of your health.

What is your cholesterol level? What about your blood pressure? Have you any idea? Bad habits, such as ignoring this information, are genuinely troubling.

These values ​​could indicate the presence of problems that you do not even suspect. You may feel wonderful despite having high blood pressure or cholesterol. If you are over the age of 20, it’s a good idea to have a full checkup every 4 or 6 months.

Regular physical activity plays an important role in achieving or maintaining a healthy weight. The amount of physical activity is as important as the food we eat, because having the right weight means balancing the energy consumed by the body through food and that consumed with physical activity.

Overweight people are more prone to hypertension and to have a high cholesterol value, and therefore have a greater risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease.

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