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Photo :Dr Manoj Kumar, Head Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Balaji, Patparganj, Delhi
- A diet with more than 60% energy containing, high-carbohydrate composition associated with increased mortality
- About 300% rise in the incidence of CAD in India
New Delhi, August 02, 2018 : The incidence of heart diseases is on the rise in India. Among all its forms, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has seen a 300% rise in Indians in the past three decades. About 2% to 6% of the affected people live in rural India and 4% to 12% in urban India. While there are various causes for CAD, a recent study has found that carbohydrate and refined sugar and not cholesterol lead to this condition.
Research has indicated that consuming a diet composed of more than 60% energy containing high carbohydrate foods is associated with an increased risk of death. A diet containing more than 30% fat with less high carbohydrate food leads to improved longevity. Cholesterol in food has very little impact on blood cholesterol levels.
Speaking about this, Dr Manoj Kumar, Head – Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Balaji, Patparganj, said, “CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed. This is due to the buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls and is called atherosclerosis. As it grows, less blood can flow through the arteries. As a result, the heart muscle can’t get the blood or oxygen it needs. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. While high cholesterol has been attributed to be the culprit behind CAD, the responsible agent seems to be the oxidative stress due to inflammation that results from a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. The consumption of sweetened beverages and other refined forms of carbohydrates is related to higher triglycerides and lower HDL level at baseline and is therefore, a cause for heart disease.”
Some other risk factors for CAD include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes or insulin resistance, and a sedentary lifestyle. The symptoms include shortness of breath, palpitations, irregular heartbeats, faster heartbeat, weakness or dizziness, nausea, and sweating.
Adding further, Dr Kumar, said, “The adverse effects of food products high in carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, and other refined products is likely to be particularly evident in the obese and insulin resistant population. CAD can also reach a stage where ischemia can happen even while a person is at rest. This is a medical emergency and can further lead to a heart attack. Ischemia occurs without warning in anyone with a heart disease, although it is more common in people with diabetes. Angioplasty is a common treatment option for CAD. This procedure helps in opening narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.”
Some common treatment options for CAD include balloon angioplasty, stent placement, and coronary artery bypass surgery. Having an angioplasty within the first hours after a heart attack can reduce the risk of complications. The stent placed after angioplasty helps in keeping the blood flowing to the heart and the artery from narrowing again. Research is also on to study innovative ways to treat heart diseases. For example, angiogenesis, which involves stem cells and other genetic material being administered through the vein, or directly into damaged heart tissue.
The following tips can help in preventing the onset of CAD.
- Smoking doubles the risk of any cardiovascular ailments and is best avoided.
- Get at least 5% to 10% of daily calories from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Good sources include vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, corn, and soybean as well as nuts and seeds.
- About 30 minutes of physical activity per day is ideal to improve heart and overall health.
- Opt for techniques such as yoga and meditation, which act as good stress busters.
