Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Sep 29: World Heart Day was observed at the Imphal Heart Institute (IHI), Sagolband Moirang Leirak, on Monday with experts stressing the importance of healthy lifestyles, regular health monitoring and timely medical care to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
The programme was held under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat” and featured expert deliberations on maintaining heart health, an interactive session and cardiovascular screening.
Addressing the gathering, IHI Director-cum-Chief Cardiac Surgeon Dr Arambam Athouba said World Heart Day is observed annually to create awareness about cardiovascular health. He said heart diseases have become a major health concern and urged people to adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Athouba said around two crore people die globally from heart-related diseases every year, with around 1.5 crore of them reportedly in the 50-60 age group. He noted that many people in this age group are the primary breadwinners of their families and said cardiovascular deaths could be prevented without high expenditure through healthy lifestyle habits.
He stressed the importance of exercising at least four days a week, following a balanced diet, avoiding junk food and reducing the consumption of edible oil and salt.
Dr Athouba also said around 10,000 people die annually from heart-related ailments in Manipur, of whom nearly 70 per cent of the deaths are preventable. He said many lives could be saved through simple lifestyle changes.
IHI Managing Director Dr Khumanthem Ratankumar said extensive research on cardiovascular diseases in Manipur has not yet been conducted. Citing a study by experts in the United States, he said one in three people could develop heart disease, while one in five could die prematurely from cardiovascular diseases.
He also highlighted the prevalence of congenital heart defects among newborns and said many affected children do not undergo proper screening or diagnostic tests. Dr Ratankumar said a student is currently conducting research on the subject at IHI and that the findings would be made available to the public.
Calling stress a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, he urged people to adopt healthy lifestyles and effective stress-management practices. He also announced that a treadmill test facility for cardiac check-ups would soon be available at IHI and appealed to people to undergo regular cardiovascular health check-ups.
Director of Cath Lab and Interventional Cardiologist at IHI Dr Khundrakpam Yoihenba, Senior Dietician Yumkham Renuca and Consultant Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Chongtham Stonwash also addressed the gathering and interacted with participants.
As many as 120 people were screened for cardiovascular diseases through an outpatient department (OPD) service during the programme. A cycle rally was also organised as part of the observance.
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, also observed World Heart Day at its OPD Block under the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat”.
The programme was inaugurated by RIMS Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma in the presence of Dr Thokchom Sachin Deba Singh, Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiology, RIMS.
Doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, patients, patient attendants and other hospital staff participated in the programme.
Prof Sunil Kumar Sharma stressed the need to create greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and adopt preventive measures. He urged healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant about heart-health risks, recognise warning signs and seek timely medical attention when symptoms occur.
The programme highlighted prevention, early detection and timely management of cardiovascular diseases. Participants were sensitised to warning signs, hypertension, timely medical care, regular health monitoring, management of risk factors and adherence to medical advice.
A “Know Your Heart Age” check-up was also conducted, while awareness leaflets were distributed to promote heart health.