Dr.G.S.Wander shares his research findings, to establish correlation between our genetics and incidence of heart disease in region

Ludhiana, September 29, 2019: On the occasion of International Heart Day, Ludhiana Management Association-LMA organized a talk with the leading Cardiologist of the region, Dr.G.S.Wander, Head-Cardiology, DMCH and also the Coordinator, Hero DMC Heart Institute. President LMA Kamal Wadhera, pointed out that while due to better incomes and also reduction of epidemics, our longevity has increased from 44years in 1947 to 67 years in 2019, mortality due to Cardiovascular Diseases has also increased, and CVDs are now the largest cause for Death. With an objective to educate LMA members about the preventive measures that must be taken to prevent the disease and also lead a healthy life style, this interaction was facilitated. Dr.G.S.Wander through an elaborate presentation, shared his research findings, to establish the correlation between our genetics and incidence of heart disease in the region. He shared that as a race South Asians were more prone to cardiovascular ailments due to a metabolic syndrome that resulted in deposit of fats, at the abdomen leading to high cholesterol, blockages of arteries and if ignored to heart disease. He also pointed out, that as our incomes have increased, so has our dietary intake, coupled with sedentary life styles are leading to diseases like diabetes and hypertension that contribute to heart disease. Wander, also stated that also our physical constitution of being a Thin Fat Indian, increases our risk wherein many of us though may not appear to be obese, but are highly susceptible to Heart Disease. He also emphasized that a failure to monitor our vitals especially after forty could lead to a situation where in a patient may be silently suffering from diabetes, hypertension or other ailments, which cause a heart attack or a stroke, and no preventive measures are being taken. Dr.Wander also emphasized that two decades back CVDs were considered to be diseases that would only affect the rich, urban, non-vegetarian, male smokers, but this is now only a myth as due to our richer yet unhealthy diet and physically inactive lifestyles, even the youth and people from all income groups have become susceptible to these chronic ailments. He advocated a low fat diet balanced in terms of carbohydrates and minerals not necessarily vegetarian, mild to vigorous exercise especially yoga, reduction of stress, minimum consumption of sugar, oils and salt would be the mantra for having a healthy heart. In a study conducted on school kids, Dr.Wander and his team found that a substantial percentage of school children were having high blood pressure due to obesity, consumption of junk food and lack of physical activity. He advised the members to monitor their own and also their wards vital parameters on a regular basis to ensure early detection of an ailment and remedial action. He focused on preventive heart care for an active long life. Dr. G.S. Wander was accompanied by his colleague Dr. Sanjeev Singh Rawat, Yoga Consultant, who demonstrated a number of yoga asanas that prevent contraction of arteries, improve breathing and reduce stress. He also motivated the members to practice these asanas during the session. Dr. G.S. Wander was felicitated by Anil Kumar, D.K.Sindhwani, D.R. Bhatti and Dr.Paramjit Kaur, General Secretary, LMA.