Patna,(BiharTimes): Ten per cent of urban and 20 per cent of rural people of Bihar are suffering from heart ailments. Incidentally one third of them are below the age of 45 September 29 is observed as the World Heart Day,

According to a study done on the basis of OPD registrations of PMCH in the last five years there is not much difference among the rich and the poor. Apart from affluent lifestyle, smoking, use of tobacco, drinking etc Indians have a genetic pre-disposition towards heart diseases. Low level of lipoprotein and good cholesterol (HDL) is another reason for the disease.

The study also revealed that two-thirds people do not know they are suffering from any kind of heart disease. Ignoring initial symptoms and not undergoing periodical common tests like for BP and diabetes are major causes of ignorance.

Experts attribute it to sedentary lifestyle and consumption of tobacco in smokeless and smoke form.

Doctors say that either no physical activity or long working hours causes the disease. They say that at least a 30-40 minute walk of about 1 to 1.5km, especially in the morning, is necessary to keep the disease away.

According to Dr A K Jha of Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC) the chances of heart diseases in diabetics are 2-4 times high. He said that many people come to know they are diabetic only after they suffer first heart attack.

With the help of a study he exploded the myth that non-vegetarians are more prone to heart diseases. He said earlier, women suffered from heart ailments generally after menopause. But now those below 35 are prone to heart diseases.

Gynaecologist Dr Abhilasha said women need to take special care after menopause. Before menopause, lipid profile and blood pressure level do not generally waver much. But post menopause, their levels get disturbed. Women, therefore, must not ignore common symptoms like heaviness of heart or chest pain and maintain low cholesterol diet.

Dr Prabhat Kumar, medical director, Heart Hospital, Kankerbagh. said there are several ways by which one can reduce chances of developing heart ailments such as maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol level. Smoking, junk food, alcohol and tension lead to excess formation of low-density lipoprotein in the body, also known as bad cholesterol. If low-density lipoprotein is high, there is a chance of developing blood pressure and diabetes. These two are correlated to heart related ailments. Maintaining a proper lifestyle, including having a proper diet, is the need of the hour.

He said milk should not be taken at night. It is advisable to walk for 30 minutes after drinking milk at night. While the majority of cholesterol is produced by the body, the food which is eaten also has a significant role in increasing the cholesterol level. Milk also increases the low density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The higher the fat content in milk, the more it increases the low-density lipoprotein level in the body. he added.

Dr Abhinav Bhagat said that the number of heart patients above 30 is rising. They should regularly get their blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol checked. All these factors are associated with heart diseases. One can also suffer from heart disease if he/she has a family history. Hereditary factors are also responsible, he added.