Heart Talk!

Among The Most Common Threats To Someone Who Is Constantly On The Move Is Cardiac Attack Or Related Problems. Charmaine Fernz Attempts To List A Few Precautions To Deal With This Life-Threatening Ailment

Constant stress plays a pivotal role in developing most illnesses. It is also one of the leading factors that give rise to common heart-related problems. Neglect is dangerous and could be life-threatening.

This is not negating the fact that bad dietary routine and hereditary factors could also be contributing factors. One of the most common heart problems faced by corporates constantly travelling is Deep Vein Thrombosis commonly known as DVT. Says Dr Brian Pinto, MD, DM, Cardiologist, Holy Family Hospital, "It occurs due to two reasons. Firstly, dehydration and secondly, owing to lack of mobility. The other is Pulmonary Embolism. This is the formation of a blood clot in the lungs, which gives rise to symptoms very similar to a heart attack. It normally occurs just a few hours after landing. This can also be fatal if not investigated." Explaining further, Dr CJHemant Kumar, MS. M Ch, FIACS, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon, Jaslok Hospital says, "Other heart problems are Angina, a heaviness in the chest and surrounding regions. Varicose Veins is another that occurs due to sluggish flow of blood in the veins. This can be avoided with a lot of movement. While on flight, one should move his/her foot to keep the blood flow constant in the calf muscle. Diabetics should keep a constant track of their health, especially if it is combined with hypertension or high blood pressure. The reason being most diabetics are unaware of a heart attack since it is silent. So, any kind of unusual pain around the neck, back, chest region or even a stomach ache should be reported."

Heart attacks can occur anywhere and due to numerous reasons. To reiterate, some of the causes are the food consumed i.e. rich food, deep fried, lack of exercise and general negligence of one’s health. It is normally advised that people above the age of 40 should go in for a regular health check-up, which would also include a stress test once every two years.

Does air pressure affect the heart? No, say both doctors. This is a myth. What normally happens is that a pre-existent heart ailment could be aggravated but it has no affect on a normal person.

The precautionary measures advised are as follows:

• Drink a lot of water and fresh juices.
• Prevent alcohol, it is the biggest dehydration factor. These are also empty calories consumed.
• Walk a lot and constantly exercise your leg while travelling.
• Always wear loose clothing while travelling, it prevents DVT.
• Eat your meals at intervals. If you skip a meal use it to gain lost sleep.
• Try and do a few stretching and deep breathing exercises on board.
• Visit the toilet regularly.

In case of uneasiness or tightness in or around the heart region, one can consider the following:

• Take an Asprin (75 mg) dissolved in water. It helps clear any clots.
• If one is feeling dizzy, lie down, raise your leg and cough. The coughing helps regain the blood pressure and stimulates the heart rate.
• A Sorbitrate, if prescribed, can be taken as it clears the arterial blockage. However, one must bear in mind that if the problem is not heart-related, it causes a severe headache.