Cardiovascular diseases: Demystifying the myths

Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon Dr Suresh Bhagia was in Mauritius last week for a free screening session organised by the Aalamee Society at Wootun. Dr Bhagia has been visiting Mauritius during the past years and he has observed that Mauritius has a high rate of diabetic and hypertension patients. For him, the only way to curb the issues of cardiovascular diseases is by demystifying the myth prevailing about the disease.  

Every day in Mauritius, 15 to 20 patients visit the country’s hospitals for heart-related problems. According to the surgeon, during the screening, he found 40% of the patients are diabetic and some of them even have high blood pressure. He says this condition is worsening because people are still unaware of the reality. He tries to explain the different myths people have in mind and how it affects them.

Breakfast: Wrongly eaten 

Dr Bhagia reveals that the one of the main reasons for the decline in health of Mauritians is the eating habit. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Many people either skip breakfast or wrongly take it. In both cases, it affects the health. One of the most common breakfasts in Mauritius is white bread, butter and salty fried snacks (Gato Piment). These kinds of breakfasts will obviously do more harm than good. A good breakfast include: cereals with milk, a bowl of fruits, fresh juice, green tea, infused tea without milk and sugar and whole wheat bread,” he says.

Commenting on the eating habit of the Mauritian population, he adds that “it is always said that a man must eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a soldier and dinner like a pauper. But often we see the contrary. People tend to take a heavy dinner. Briyani and fatty foods are very common in Mauritian houses.”

He encourages all individuals to eat a balanced meal. “Eat at least maximum fruits and vegetables. Avoid too much rice and sugar. Controlling your diet will help you remain healthy.” 

Is heart disease being genetics? 

Often, one can hear people saying, heart disease runs in the family so there is nothing that can be done to prevent it or no one in my family has heart problem, I am safe. Dr Bhagia highlights that heart diseases are 20% to30% preventive and there are no studies showing that if no history of heart disease has been detected in your family, you are safe. “It is true that people with a family history of heart disease are at higher risk but if precautionary measures are taken, the risks can be reduced. People with family history of heart disease, should always be active: control cholesterol; eat better; manage blood pressure; maintain a healthy weight; control blood sugar and stop smoking.” 

All diabetic patients can have heart problems?

Dr Bhagia explains that 50% of diabetic person can have heart issues in 10 to 50 years while there is 20% to 30% for a non-diabetic person to have heart problems. “Diabetic patients are vulnerable and can get various heart-related problems starting from the kidney to coronary problems if proper care is not taken. So there is nothing that you cannot prevent. Follow proper treatment. Eat well and avoid sedentary lifestyle.”

Too young to worry about heart disease?

The surgeon reveals that often young people tend to say: “I am too young to think about diseases,” but they are unaware that heart diseases do not see age. “As early as childhood and adolescence, plaque can start accumulating in the arteries and later lead to clogged arteries. Even young and middle-aged people can develop heart problems. At the age of 20, a person can get a heart valve disease infection. It has also been seen that as from the age of 25, young people are getting the problem of coronary blockage,” he says. 

Only chest pain is a sign of heart attack?

Dr Bhagia explains that many people believe that the only symptoms of heart issues are chest pain. He reveals that there are other symptoms that people must consider to detect heart-related issues. “It is common to have chest pain but there are also symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, feeling light-headed, and pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the jaw, neck or back. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek help of a doctor and get yourself checked up,” he adds. 

No check up until middle age?

The surgeon argues that there is a wrong presumption that only people who are middle aged should go for check-ups. “It is recommended by the American Heart Association to get yourself checked every five years as from the age of 20. Young people can have diabetes or high cholesterol level which is a high risk for developing heart diseases with age,” he reveals. The doctor also advises everyone below the age of 40 to get themselves checked once every year while those above 40 should get themselves checked every six month. 

A heart patient cannot do exercise? 

Heart patients believe that they should avoid exercise, says Dr Bhagia. For the doctor, this is completely wrong. “It is important for heart patients to remain active and do moderate intensive activities to keep fit. It has also been recommended by the American Heart Association to engage for at least two and a half hours in moderate activities each week. Exercises recommended include walking, jogging, running or cycling. If a heart patient prefer a sedentary life, his condition will worsen even more,” he says.   

Radiation from the phone 

Dr Bhagia states that various researches have shown that powerful radiation from the mobile phone can cause heart problems. “The beginning of a phone call and the end of a call emit radiations. It is not advisable to keep phone near the heart, lungs or liver. If you keep your phone near your heart, in five or ten years, you will face heart issues. The best way to prevent is the use a leather pouch.”  

Stressful life 

The surgeon states that nowadays people are living a stressful life. “From home to workplace, everyone faces stress. Not everyone is able to cope and react to them. Stress is indeed unavoidable but it is important to manage it. It is also essential to manage stress positively. People who remain in stressful situations should practise yoga, meditation and other activities like roaming or walking in nature. It is important for individuals to take breaks and relax.” 

Pregnancy not advisable 

Dr Bhagia discourages women with heart diseases to conceive. “Pregnancy is a very delicate condition. During pregnancy, blood supply doubles. There is a big load on the mother. The mother and the baby’s lives can be in danger. In such a case, pregnancy is not advisable.”