Hypotension can also cause complications

Hypotension can also cause complications

Lifestyle modifications and dietary changes can help in managing symptoms

New Delhi, 24 November 2017: Statistics indicate that the prevalence of hypotension or low blood pressure depends on age. It ranges from 5% in patients under 50 years of age to 30% in those over 70 years of age. In healthy people, low blood pressure without any symptoms means negligible health concerns. However, symptoms indicate inadequate blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs, which needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Hypotension is a condition in which blood pressure in the arteries gets abnormally low. In some cases, the blood pressure becomes so low that it fails to reach all the body organs. The ideal reading level for blood pressure is more than 120 over 80 but less than 140 over 90 (120/80-140/90). When either number is below the ideal reading level, the blood pressure is considered lower than normal.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Our blood pressure varies throughout the day due to several factors. Some of them include body positions, the level of stress, physical condition, medications, eating and drinking habits. Blood pressure usually decreases when a person is asleep and rises when he/she wakes up. Some other causes include dehydration, some heart conditions, pregnancy, loss of blood, endocrine problems, infections, certain nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, and low salt intake. With age, the risk of low blood pressure normally increases. This is because the blood flow to the heart muscle and the brain declines with age, often due to a buildup of plaque in blood vessels.”

Some symptoms of hypotension include fainting in case of syncope, nausea, lack of concentration, fatigue, blurred vision, and dizziness or lightheadedness. In extreme cases, hypotension can also lead to rapid pulse rate, weakness, feeling of confusion, pale skin color, and rapid, shallow breathing.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Low blood pressure that either doesn't cause signs or symptoms or causes only mild symptoms rarely requires treatment. However, it is best to seek help in case of consistently low blood pressure readings. It also helps to keep a record of such signs and symptoms.”

The following preventive measures can be taken to manage chronic low blood pressure.

• Drink lots of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Do not take over-the-counter medications.
• Indulge in regular physical activity to promote normal blood flow.
• Be careful when you get up from your sleep. For those who have consistent low blood pressure, it is imperative to be careful while standing up.
• To improve circulation, pump your feet and ankles a few times before standing up. Avoid heavy lifting.
• Increase your salt consumption in consultation with a doctor.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water.
• To avoid problems with low blood pressure and lessen episodes of dizziness after meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals.
• Cut back on carbohydrates and take some rest after eating. 

Bipolar disorder symptoms can be effectively managed with certain lifestyle changes

Bipolar disorder symptoms can be effectively managed with certain lifestyle changes

About 10 to 20 million people in India are affected by this condition

New Delhi, 11 October 2017: As per a recently published study, patients with bipolar depression treated with adjunctive bright white light showed a significantly higher remission rate as compared with the placebo light group. This corresponds to 68.2% vs 22.2%, respectively, at weeks 4 to 6 and significantly lower depression scores at the end of the study period. In India, about 10 to 20 million people suffer from mental disorders, one of them being bipolar disorders.

Bipolar disorder is a condition associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. The cycles of mood swings can often last for days, weeks, or months, with the changes being so intense that they interfere with a person’s ability to function properly. The condition not only affects daily activities of life, but also the person’s relationship with others.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “A depressed person feels sad or hopeless and loses interest or pleasure in most activities. When this mood shifts to mania or hypomania, the person can be euphoric, full of energy, unusually irritable or aggressive. These mood swings can affect the person overall in terms of their sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Such mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any at all. While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, it could be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors and altered brain structure and chemistry.”

A person with bipolar disorder may also experience at least three of the following: grandiose ideas or pumped-up self-esteem; far less need for sleep than normal; an urgent desire to talk; racing thoughts and distractibility; increased activity that may be directed to accomplishing a goal or expressed as agitation; and a pleasure-seeking urge that might get funneled into sexual sprees, overspending, or a variety of schemes, often with disastrous consequences.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Bipolar disorder can become worse, if left untreated. However, a good treatment plan including psychotherapy, medications, a healthy lifestyle, a regular schedule, and early identification of symptoms can help people live well even with this condition. There are also certain complementary health approaches like aerobic exercises and meditation, which can support treatment in such people.”

Here are some tips for self-management of symptoms in those with bipolar disorder.
• Avoid stress as this is a major trigger. Relieve stress through techniques like yoga and meditation. Talk to your family or friends, if this can help relieve stress.
• Stick to a regular schedule as this can help control mood swings to a great extent. People with bipolar disorder are usually affected by too many changes. Have meals, do errands, exercise, and go to bed about the same time every day.
• Studies show that regular exercise can help improve mood. Start slowly with walking and get physical activity every day in some form or the other.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and drugs. Caffeine is a stimulant and can exacerbate manic episodes by keeping you awake. Alcohol and drugs can affect how your medications work.
• Keep a journal in which you make a note of the triggers and schedule. This will help you establish a pattern and prepare yourself accordingly. It will also help your doctor evolve a treatment plan suited to your needs.

Severe jawbone disorder can worsen migraine pain

Severe jawbone disorder can worsen migraine pain
• TMD can increase the frequency and severity of the migraine • Lifestyle changes can help in preventing migraine symptoms from becoming worse New Delhi, 25 September 2017: As per a recent study, those with a severe jawbone disorder (known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD)) are more likely to suffer from chronic migraine. Although TMD does not directly cause migraine, it can increase the severity and frequency of the condition. Migraine is the third most prevalent illness in the world and affects about 1 billion people worldwide. While most sufferers experience attacks once or twice a month, more than 4 million people have chronic daily migraine, with at least 15 migraine days per month. Migraine, is a severe throbbing recurring pain, usually on one side of the head. However, both sides are affected in about one-third of the attacks. Migraine is a primary headache. This is because the pain is not due to an underlying condition such as a brain tumor or injury. Those with migraine suffer from moderate to severe pain. This makes it difficult for them to carry out even normal activities and therefore, they retreat to a quiet and dark room. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Migraine can also have an enormous impact on a person’s work, family and social life due to the debilitating pain it causes. Migraine occurs in children also but largely goes undiagnosed. Migraines can be episodic or chronic. The difference lies in how frequently the migraines occur. Those who suffer from episodic migraine have fewer than 14 headaches per month for three months. Whereas, those with chronic migraine have headaches for 15 days or more per month. Episodic migraines can increase and turn into chronic migraines over the course of few years or months. Familial Hemiplegic Migraine (FHM) is a type of migraine that runs in families. It is a rare, genetically inherited condition. Women are affected thrice as much as men by migraine.” Some common disabling symptoms of migraine include visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the extremities or face. However, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Prevention and treatment of migraine centers around reducing the frequency, stopping the symptoms, or making them less severe. While some medications provide pain relief, others attack the underlying symptoms. It is also a good idea to keep a migraine journal, which will help in figuring out what treatment works best for you. An accurate and complete account of migraine attacks can help track the triggers and frequency of attacks and decide on the right treatment option for you.” The upcoming Perfect Health Mela being organized by HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th October 2017 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi will provide a platform to discuss many of these health issues. IMA is the knowledge partner for the event. It is a must visit for those interested in learning more about preventive health and well-being. The Mela will also have free health camps for checking various health parameters. Certain lifestyle changes and eating habits can help prevent migraine from getting worse. • Avoid certain foods such as alcohol and chocolate. • Quit smoking as it has been proven to increase head pain and other symptoms. • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats is best to avoid migraines. One should also avoid skipping meals. • It is important to stick to a regular sleep schedule to keep the immune system strong, ward off depression and anxiety, and help the body and mind relax. • Indulge in aerobic, strengthening, and flexibility exercises for about 30 minutes every day. Avoid stress through meditation and yoga can help in significantly reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

Ovarian cancer symptoms not apparent until later stages

Ovarian cancer symptoms not apparent until later stages • It is the eighth most common cancer in women • Lifestyle changes can help reduce risk New Delhi, 18 September, 2017: Of all cancers in women, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and ranks fifth in terms of mortality, according to statistics. About two-thirds of those with this condition stand at an advanced stage of the disease during diagnosis and less than 50% survive longer than five years after being diagnosed. As per the IMA, the primary reason for reaching the advanced stage and eventual death is that in many women with this disease, there are no symptoms. Ovarian cancer refers to any cancerous growth in the ovary. A majority of ovarian cancers arise from the epithelium (outer lining) of the ovary. The most common ovarian cancers are called epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) and other types include ovarian low malignant potential tumor (OLMPT), germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal tumors. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it spreads within the pelvis and stomach. In such an advanced stage, it may not be possible to treat the condition making it life threatening. Often, this condition has no symptoms in the early stages and even at a later stage; there are non-specific symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for most inherited ovarian cancers. When these genes are normal, they help prevent cancer by making proteins that keep cells from growing abnormally. However, inheriting a mutation in one of these genes from either parent, makes this cancer preventing protein less effective. This increases the chances of developing ovarian cancer.” Some possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain in the pelvis, lower side of the body, lower stomach, and back; indigestion or heartburn; feeling full rapidly when eating; more frequent urination; pain during intercourse; and changes in bowel habits. As it progresses, symptoms such as nausea, weight loss, breathlessness, tiredness, and loss of appetite can also appear. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “The treatment for this condition consists of surgery, chemotherapy, a combination of surgery with chemotherapy, and at times, radiotherapy as well. The mode is decided depending on factors such as type of ovarian cancer, its stage and grade, and the patient’s general health. Contraceptive pills can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women and also protect them from the disease even 30 years after they stop taking the drugs.” Some other tips that can help prevent the risk of ovarian cancer in women include the following. Breastfeeding The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Pregnancy The more full-term pregnancies a woman has had, the lower her risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Surgical procedures Women who have had a hysterectomy or a tubal ligation may have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Adopting a healthier lifestyle This entails consuming more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and drinking.

Iron deficiency anemia one of the top causes of disability in India

Iron deficiency anemia one of the top causes of disability in India • Iron needs are higher in women than in men • Many people are unaware of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
New Delhi, 08 September 2017: As per recent reports, about 48% women in India in the age group 15 to 49 years have hemoglobin concentrations lower than 120g/L (12g/dL) and are diagnosed with anemia. Analysis also show that iron-deficiency anemia has remained the top cause of disability in India for 10 years now. The IMA indicates that anemia can have serious consequences such as fetal deaths, abnormalities, pre-term and underweight babies in pregnant women. Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs, which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status. Hemoglobin, a pigment present in red blood cells, binds oxygen and delivers it to various cells in the body. Menstrual bleeding causes loss of iron in women of reproductive age, and thus, iron needs are higher in women than in men. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and occurs when the body doesn’t have enough of this mineral. In the absence of enough iron in the blood stream, the rest of your body cannot get the amount of oxygen it needs. What exacerbates this condition is that many people are unaware that they have iron deficiency anemia. At times, one may experience the symptoms for years without knowing what they are due to. A poor diet or certain intestinal diseases that affect iron absorption can also lead to this condition. This deficiency is usually treated with iron supplements or changes to diet.” Some of the symptoms of moderate-to-severe iron deficiency anemia include general fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cravings for things such as dirt, a tingling or crawling feeling in the legs, soreness or swelling in the tongue, cold hands and feet, fast or irregular heartbeat, brittle nails, and headaches. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Mostly, iron deficiency anemia is mild, and does not lead to any further complications, and can be corrected easily. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can cause other health problems. In pregnant women, this can lead to the birth of a premature or low-birth-weight baby.” Here are some tips to prevent anemia. • Eat foods rich in iron such as green and leafy vegetables, red meat, lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals and breads. • Include vitamin C-rich foods and drinks in your diet as it will help the body in absorbing iron. • Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as this affects the absorption of iron. • Include enough sources of vitamin B12 and folic acid in your diet.

Pre heart attack symptoms: Don’t ignore ‘soft’ symptoms

Pre heart attack symptoms: Don’t ignore ‘soft’ symptoms We come across cases of sudden cardiac death quite often. And, upon enquiring from the family, we find that preceding symptoms in the last 24 hours are common. Most heart attacks, to begin with, are often not painful but recognizable enough in that the condition may present as pressure or discomfort or burning pain in the chest, feeling of fullness in the center of the chest, which may come and go, also called ‘stuttering’ chest pain and increase with activity and relieved with rest. There may also be unexplained exhaustion/fatigue, or unexplained breathlessness or anxiety or nausea. Eventually these symptoms increase in intensity and frequency and present as the classical chest pain of heart attack, unless the patient has diabetes. People often ignore such symptoms. At times, they are in denial about the true cause of such symptoms: “I am too young to have a heart attack”, “All my blood tests are normal”, “My treadmill test is negative”, “I am only a casual smoker” etc. Most are unaware that these ‘soft’ symptoms are important enough to be evaluated by a cardiologist/physician. ‘Soft’ symptoms are early warning symptoms that appear before the actual ‘typical’ presentation of the impending disease and often provide a clue to the diagnosis. Hence, if you suspect that you are experiencing early symptoms of a heart attack or pre heart attack symptoms, it is important to get yourself evaluated. Timely consultation with a doctor and treatment at this stage can avert the onset of disease in many cases, which may be potentially life-threatening in some cases. Just as a ‘smoke detector’ detects smoke, an indicator of fire, such ‘soft’ symptoms should be taken note of as they are warning signs of an oncoming heart attack.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance may not be very apparent, says IMA

Symptoms of lactose intolerance may not be very apparent, says IMA
• Milk is not the only source of calcium • This condition does not have a cure but can be managed with dietary changes
New Delhi, 15 July 2017: As per statistics, about 70% of Indians are lactose intolerant with the incidence higher in southern Indian than in the North. Lactose intolerance is one of the most common forms of food intolerance. Those who consciously or unconsciously avoid milk due to this disorder do not realize that they need a supplement to replenish calcium levels in their body. According to IMA, a deficiency of calcium can lead to problems at a later age and therefore, one should include other sources of calcium in one's diet. Lactose intolerance is caused when one cannot digest the high amount of sugar present in milk, called lactose. This is because they don’t have enough secretions of lactase, an enzyme that helps break down this sugar. Such people can, therefore, not digest milk or milk products. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "The cells lining the small intestine produce an enzyme called lactase which attaches to lactose molecules in the food that we eat and breaks them into two simple sugars: glucose and galactose. These can be absorbed into the bloodstream. A reduction in this enzyme makes most of the lactose go unprocessed into the colon, where normal intestinal bacteria interact with it causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Constantly deluging the colon by fermenting lactose can leave the digestive system permanently weakened. It can also lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and weaken immunity. Babies can produce enough lactase in the digestive systems to digest milk. With age, the enzyme in the body starts to decrease and so does the ability to break down lactose." The very first symptom of lactose intolerance is the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which causes belly discomfort and change in the bowel habits overtime. Other symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, and cramps usually in the lower half of the belly. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "The first and foremost side effect in a lactose intolerant person is calcium and Vitamin D deficiency. However, due to the fact that the body is unable to break lactose to provide nutrients even in the normal state ensures that this side effect does not make much difference. Look for alternative sources of calcium and Vitamin D to replenish the requirements. Some examples include almond and soy milk, and vegetables like spinach and broccoli." While there is no cure for lactose intolerance, following these tips can make it easier for you. • Choosing smaller dairy servings. This will make it less likely for you to get gastrointestinal problems. • Drinking milk with other foods can help slow down the digestive process and therefore lessen the symptoms too. • Not all dairy products have the same amount of lactose. Try cultured milk products such as yogurt which carry enzymes that can help break down lactose. • Try opting for lactose-free products. These are available widely today. Also, watch out for hidden lactose in cereals, instant soups, salad dressings, nondairy creamers, processed meats and baking mixes. • Take lactase enzyme tablets or drops in consultation with your doctor.

Common symptoms that may indicate calcium deficiency: IMA

Common symptoms that may indicate calcium deficiency: IMA New Delhi: April 02, 2017: Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones. It also helps in blood clotting, early developmental growth and muscle contraction and relaxation. Calcium can be easily obtained from natural food sources like leafy vegetables, yoghurt, nuts and cheese. However, the majority of the Indians, specifically in the age group of 14-20 years suffer from calcium deficiency due to lack of efficient absorption. Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Calcium deficiency disease, also known as hypocalcemia, occurs when you don’t get enough calcium. It is crucial that people are educated about the effects of calcium deficiency on the overall health and wellbeing of people in the long run. Those suspected of suffering from calcium deficiency should not self-diagnose and treat themselves by consuming large amounts of calcium supplements. Instead, it is important that they consult their doctor and together devise a healthy eating plan supported by supplementation”. The natural ageing process can cause calcium deficiency disease. Most of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones. As you age, your bones begin to thin or become less dense, increasing your daily calcium requirement. It’s important that women, in particular, get their calcium levels checked in their middle age and take necessary supplementation for the decline in the hormone estrogen during menopause causes a woman’s bones to thin faster. Other causes of calcium deficiency disease include malnutrition (starvation), hormone disorder hypoparathyroidism, premature delivery and malabsorption. Malabsorption is when your body can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals you need from the food you eat. A few signs and symptoms of calcium deficiency that everyone should be aware of include: Muscle cramps: Despite an adequate level of haemoglobin and sufficient water intake, if you suffer from regular muscle cramps, it could be a sign of calcium deficiency. Low bone density: Calcium is required for mineralisation of bones to keep them strong, as we grow old. Therefore, low calcium levels directly affect the bone density and increases susceptibility to osteoporosis and fractures. Brittle nails: Our nails need calcium deposits for maintaining their strength. Lack of calcium can make our nails brittle and weak. A • toothache: Given that about 99% of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, calcium deficiency is bound to cause toothache and decay. Menstrual cramps: Women suffering from calcium deficiency may face high levels of pain during menstruation given the crucial role played by calcium in muscle contraction and relaxation. Low immunity: Calcium helps maintain a healthy immune system. The deficiency of calcium reduces body’s resistance against pathogen attack. Neurological problems: Lack of calcium can cause neurological problems such as seizures and headaches that occur due to excess pressure on the head. A deficiency in calcium may lead to neuropsychiatric symptoms like depression, insomnia, personality changes and even dementia. Palpitation: Calcium is required for your heart to function properly and in case, of a deficiency; your heart palpitation will increase to an abnormal speed and result in uneasiness too. Calcium helps the heart pump blood and enables the heart to contract well too. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor who will then advise a blood test to determine your body’s calcium levels. The cure to calcium deficiency includes consuming a high calcium diet and supplementation.