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Heart diseases are on the rise among young adults in India, with a growing number of patients in their 20s and 30s falling victim to heart attacks. This alarming trend has become a major concern for cardiologists, including world-renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. H.K. Bali, who highlighted the issue during a conference on Sunday.
The HEART Foundation organized a day-long academic program, CIIST360, to discuss the latest advances in cardiology. The conference, attended by approximately 250 cardiologists and physicians from northern India, featured lectures on various cardiac diseases, such as coronary artery diseases, structural heart diseases, and heart failure. The event provided delegates with the opportunity to interact with distinguished speakers, discuss specific patient cases, and foster a spirit of collaboration.
Dr. Bali, the founder patron of the HEART Foundation, emphasized the advancements in medical technology that are now saving the lives of heart patients, particularly those with poor heart function who were previously considered untreatable or those for whom traditional methods were ineffective. Among the notable advancements discussed were:
- Protected Angioplasty: This procedure involves the insertion of a miniature pump called ‘Impella’ for better outcomes and faster recovery.
- Image-Guided Angioplasty: Using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT), this technique provides improved short-term and long-term results.
- TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation): A non-surgical treatment for aortic valve stenosis, TAVI is particularly beneficial for elderly patients at high surgical risk.
Dr. M.K. Das from Kolkata highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis and management of heart failure. He noted that many hospitals are already using AI to better manage heart failure patients and reduce recurrent hospital admissions.
Dr. T.S. Kler from Delhi discussed the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can significantly elevate the risk of strokes. He underscored the importance of addressing this common clinical problem to prevent severe complications.
The conference underscored the urgency of addressing the rising incidence of heart diseases among young adults and showcased the latest technological advancements and collaborative efforts aimed at improving patient outcomes. As heart disease continues to claim younger lives, cardiologists are advocating for greater awareness and preventive measures to combat this growing health crisis.
