Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NR)

Udupi, Sep 12:  Kasturba Medical Hospital, Manipal is organizing a national-level World Heart Day Walkathon - 2007: red alert under the theme ‘Healthy Families Healthy Communities’ on September. 13, stated a press release from the hospital.

This walkathon is being organized on the occasion of the World Heart Day, with the aim to help people to achieve longer and better lives, through prevention and control of heart diseases and strokes. 

Dr B H Anand Rao, the officiating COO and medical superintendent of the hospital, has in the said press release informed that heart disease is the world’s premier killer disease. As per statistics it has claimed 17.5 million lives a year. 

Further, Rao stated that 80% of those who lost their lives owing to the dreaded disease belonged to the lower and middle income countries particularly those amongst the working age segment. Physical inactivity contributes significantly to ageing of the heart and this can lead to a person becoming overweight and obese and prone to diabetes and hypertension, he added.
 
Speaking about the ill effects of smoking on the heart, Dr Padma Kumar R, the chief intervention cardiologist informed that ” the use of tobacco is one of the most important risk factors to be controlled in order to have a healthy heart”. 

Therefore Padma Kumar advised all to quit the use of tobacco, as this helps to keep the heart young. Moreover it will improve good cholesterol, reduces the level of blood clotting and decreases the chance of a sudden blockage of a blood vessel, he added.
 
Physical activities such as regular walking, swimming etc will also improve overall health, give more energy, reduce stress, build stronger bones and muscles, informed Dr Sujeeth Suvarna cardio-thoriac surgeon, informed the press release.