Hans news service Tirupati

SriVenkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) Director cum Vice Chancellor Dr G Jagadish said that people should pay special attention to their heart health and adopt healthy lifestyle habits from a young age.

The Department of Cardiology of the Institute organised an awareness programme on the occasion of World Heart Day on Tuesday.

Speaking at the programme, Dr Jagadish said the risk of heart diseases was increasing due to changing lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, lack of physical activity, stress, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. He advised people to spend some time every day on physical exercise, eat a balanced diet and reduce the intake of salt, sugar and fatty foods. Avoiding smoking and other harmful habits can also help protect heart health.

Dr Jagadish advised people with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol to undergo regular health check-ups as recommended by doctors. He said symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, difficulty in breathing, excessive sweating, dizziness and sudden weakness should not be ignored and medical help should be sought immediately. Modern medical facilities for the treatment of heart-related diseases were available at SVIMS under the supervision of specialist doctors. People requiring treatment should consult doctors in time and receive appropriate medical care, he added.

Head of the Department of Cardiology Dr Vanajakshamma said people should seek emergency medical attention without delay if they experience chest pain or tightness, breathing difficulty, sudden sweating, dizziness, fainting or unusual and severe weakness.

Assistant Professor Dr Varun, other doctors, postgraduate students and patients participated in the programme.