The expert
panel of cardiologists was holding discussions at the fifth edition of the
series themed – Heart Wellness During Covid-19
· Says
Coronavirus attacks heart by causing clots, reducing efficiency of heart
muscles and disturbing heart rate
· Heart
patients show tendency of developing severe COVID-19
· Suggests
incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet
The Associated Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), one of the apex trade associations
of
Supported
by the hygiene brand SAVLON, the programme which promotes healthy living with
focus on wellness and preventive health through healthy habits, diet, exercise,
and holistic health saw the speakers discuss at great length why patients
should not be scared to reach out to doctors or hospitals in fear of
contraction, rather they should be on the lookout for symptoms other than fever
to be for early detection of COVID-19.
Putting
forth this suggestion, (Padma Shri) Dr. Mohsin Wali, Cardiologist and
Former Physician to The President of
Dr.
Wali also stressed on the importance of reaching out for mental health support
and the increased need for psychological counselling now and in future as he
expects a surge in its demand owning to the distress caused by COVID-19. He
further stressed on the importance of keeping lungs active and increasing their
capacities by undertaking activities like blowing conch shells, balloons and
whistles.
Highlighting
the multiple ways in which the heart gets affected by COVID-19, (Padma
Bhushan) Dr. Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute and Chairman,
Cardiology Council, Fortis Group of Hospitals, said, “There are multiple
ways in which this virus attacks the heart. Clinical effecting of the heart can
happen directly even in people with mild symptoms. The virus tends to form
clots in the body. It is one of the ways in which virus attacks the body. It
also forms inflammations which can lead to heart attacks. Formation of clots in
young people in lungs can lead to severe breathlessness, low blood pressure and
low oxygenations. The clotting tendency can even lead to stroke in young
people. These are direct effects of the cardiovascular system. Inflammation can
also affect the heart muscles leading to reduced pumping efficiency of the
heart. The virus can also cause heart rate disturbances. There are multiple
ways the heart gets affected by the virus. The more serious the patient gets,
the more the heart gets affected.”
He
further added that after a patient recovers from COVID-19 and gets discharged
from hospital, they might suffer from After COVID Syndrome that will see
majority of them suffer from symptoms like breathlessness, tiredness,
exhaustion, joint paints, coughs or inefficiency in performing daily activities
for weeks or months. For complete recovery, they might need support of cardiologists,
internal medicine specialists, respiratory physicians, pulmonologists,
physiotherapists and psychologist to be restored to life completely.
He
also emphasized that precaution on part of citizens needs to be heightened if
not increased further despite the economy opening as
Laying
out the best diet to incorporate in meals during COVID-19 for healthy
living, (Padma Shri) Dr. K. K. Aggarwal, Cardiologist, Physician and
Former President of the Indian Medical Association, said, “Balanced food
should involve all seven colours and six tastes of food in moderation and
variety along with a non-inflammatory diet. Food we have during fasting season
is non-inflammatory and inflammatory ingredients are like sugar, rice, refined
flour or oil. Anything refined is inflammatory and should be avoided. Take up a
non-inflammatory diet and add all supplements that are lost by the virus.” He
further added that for individuals who are prone to inflammations, COVID-19 if
contracted, can be harmful as the virus has a tendency to accelerate
inflammations in the body leading to increased health complications.
Supporting
the discussion, Mr. Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council,
said, “The Illness to Wellness series has been sharing expert opinions
on how to take care of your mental and physical health during the pandemic. The
Coronavirus has set forth a wide range of damages and challenges for the world
that doctors and researches are still struggling to get a grasp on. Therefore,
the old and golden adage of prevention is better than cure is something we
should all follow. As iterated by the veteran doctors today, masks need to be
strictly worn in public spaces with adequate distancing measures to keep
ourselves safe. We hope that the expert measures shared by the eminent
panellists enlightened the attendees and the insightful information shared
equipped them to fight the virus proactively.”
Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, acted as the moderator of the event and raised
pertinent questions before the panellists to guide the discussion into a strong
knowledge-sharing webinar. His smart manoeuvring of the discussions helped reap
health foresights from the veteran cardiologists. Dr. Kesari summed up
the discussion at the end by focusing on the importance of masks in our
precautionary measures for both heart patients and healthy citizens.