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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Silent Signals: Uncovering Impact of Angina on Women in India
New Delhi: While women face many health challenges throughout their lives, heart disease stands out as one of the most serious — causing more deaths and disability than any other condition worldwide. A 2016 report by the India n Council of Medical Research identified heart disease as the leading cause of illness in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (2019–20), about 0.7% of women and 0.9% of men in India report having heart disease. India's death rate from heart disease already exceeds the global average — and studies show that women may be even more at risk. Conditions like angina often present subtly, with symptoms that are easy to miss but can lead to higher risks. To spotlight this critical issue, ETHealthworld, in collaboration with global healthcare leader Abbott , hosted a webinar titled Her Heart Matters: Understanding Angina and Coronary Artery Disease in Women. The session brought together medical experts to explore the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by Indian women. The expert panel featured Dr Jyotirmoy Pal President, Association of Physicians of India (API); Dr Agam Vora , Honorary General Secretary, Association of Physicians of India (API); Dr. Gurpreet S Wander, Chief Cardiologist, Hero DMC Heart Institute, Ludhiana; Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director Cath Lab, Apollo Hospitals, Indore; Dr Rohita Shetty Head of Medical Affairs, Abbott India. The discussion was moderated by Prathiba Raju, Senior Assistant Editor, ET Healthworld. Exploring the underlying causes of angina, Dr Jyotirmoy Pal explained that while non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for a third of deaths at the time of India's independence, decades of lifestyle and metabolic shifts have dramatically altered the landscape— with cardiovascular diseases now emerging as the leading cause of mortality. Angina, commonly experienced as chest pain, is one of the most recognizable early warning signs of heart disease. Dr. Gurpreet S. Wander added that approximately 60–65% of individuals with coronary artery disease report experiencing angina symptoms. Discussing key risk factors for angina, Dr. Wander emphasized that among the eight major contributors to heart disease — including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and stress — genetics and lifestyle choices, particularly tobacco use, pose the greatest risk for individuals under 60. He also noted that while women benefit from a degree of natural protection against heart disease due to hormonal factors, this advantage is significantly diminished in the presence of diabetes. Experts further highlighted a critical gap in research: women comprise only about 20% of participants in heart disease clinical trials. As a result, most treatment protocols are based predominantly on male-centric data, making it more challenging to develop care strategies tailored specifically to women's cardiovascular health. Diagnosis Dilemma Speaking on the importance of early detection, Dr. Jyotirmoy Pal emphasized that recognizing angina symptoms promptly can lead to timely intervention — potentially saving lives. However, in India, recurring chest pain is often misdiagnosed as Acid Peptic Disorder (APD), delaying appropriate cardiac care. Dr. Agam Vora added that there's a common misconception that only individuals with conditions like diabetes or obesity are at risk for angina. 'That's not always the case,' he noted, stressing the need for clinicians to adopt modern diagnostic tools — especially when interpreting ECG results proves challenging. Dr. Wander further explained that angina can sometimes present with symptoms like burping, which are frequently mistaken for acidity. 'If the discomfort isn't localized and lasts for 3 to 5 minutes, it could be a sign of heart-related chest pain,' he cautioned. The panel also underscored the value of non-invasive diagnostic tests — such as treadmill tests, stress echocardiography, and cardiac imaging — in identifying angina early. These tools can help avoid diagnostic delays, which is critical, as untreated angina can escalate into a heart attack , posing serious, potentially life-threatening risks. Gender-Based Differences Dr. Rao explained that heart disease symptoms in women can be quite different from those in men. Instead of the typical chest pain, women may feel breathless, break into a sweat, or experience symptoms like acidity, heartburn, or even nausea. She also noted that diagnosing heart issues in women can be more complex. For example, their ECGs may show subtle changes, and they're more likely to test positive during a treadmill test. Women also experience a type of heart condition called microvascular angina, which affects the smaller blood vessels and often doesn't show up on standard heart scans like a coronary angiogram. While women do have some natural hormonal protection against heart disease, Dr. Rao pointed out that they also face unique risks — especially during and after pregnancy. Conditions like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure can increase a woman's chances of developing heart disease later in life. She also highlighted that early menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD), and autoimmune disorders can raise the risk of heart problems even further. That's why it's important for women to stay informed and proactive about their heart health. Solutions to change the course Coronary artery disease (CAD) ranks among the leading causes of death from non-communicable diseases. While it is often diagnosed later in life, Dr. Wander emphasized that its origins can be traced back much earlier. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits early — and maintaining them consistently — plays a crucial role in preventing or delaying the onset of heart disease. Dr. Rao emphasized that regularly checking your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar — along with living a healthy lifestyle — can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Avoiding smoking and alcohol also plays a big role. These simple habits can help you stay healthier and be better prepared for any future health risks. Abbott's Efforts for Better Heart Health Dr. Rohita Shetty shared some of the steps Abbott is taking to support women's heart health, especially around angina. As part of its 2030 global goals, Abbott is working to fight non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Because angina often shows up differently in women and can be hard to recognize, there's a strong need to raise awareness. To help close this gap, Abbott collaborated with the Association of Physicians of India (API) to launch Angina Awareness Week in 2024. As part of this effort, Abbott introduced the OPTA (Optimal Treatment of Angina) initiative, which includes three helpful tools — a checklist, a questionnaire, and a clinical approach — all designed to improve how angina is diagnosed and managed. This year, the spotlight is on women — with a focus on improving their heart health and overall quality of life. Abbott's awareness initiatives aim to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to take control of their heart health and make informed choices for a healthier future. To summarize, with rising rates of obesity, hypertension, and hereditary risk factors, experts caution that the burden of heart disease is likely to continue growing. The good news is that this trend can be changed. By making healthier lifestyle choices, scheduling regular health checkups, and leveraging advanced diagnostic tools, individuals can take meaningful steps to reduce their risk — helping to build stronger, healthier families and communities. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Don't skip diagnostic tests, they are key to avoid antibiotic resistance: Experts
Nagpur: "Don't shun diagnostic tests; they are ," declared experts at the 3rd , which concluded on Sunday. The two-day event, organised by Criticare Research Institute in association with the Association of Physicians of India, Vidarbha chapter, focused on ' ', strongly emphasising addressing the growing global threat of Camilla Rodrigues, a microbiologist and diagnostics veteran, stressed the importance of utilising modern diagnostic tools. "Nowadays, very good are available to detect precisely which kind of infection a patient has, allowing for targeted antibiotic or other drug prescriptions," Dr Rodrigues explained."But many are still reluctant to conduct these tests. They consider them useless because some tests turn out negative, and they perceive them as costly. However, it is crucial to understand that these tests are essential to avoid the overuse of unnecessary antibiotics, which can lead to and life-threatening consequences in the future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We are deeply concerned that by 2050, more than 50% of deaths worldwide could be attributed to antibiotic resistance." She also emphasised the importance of adult vaccination against common infections like flu and pneumonia, stating, "Lesser the use of antibiotics, better for your larger health."Veteran infectious disease physician Dr Rajeev Soman echoed these concerns, stating, "Antibiotic resistance is a major issue, and doctors are worried. People are rampantly using antibiotics, often obtaining them over the counter, which is very dangerous. Even doctors need to educate them against this rampant use because once resistance develops, the antibiotic becomes useless. The number of effective antibiotics is limited globally, and new molecules are not being developed easily. Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest in costly R&D for antibiotics that are destined to become ineffective."Dr Kapil Borawake, speaking on sepsis management, emphasised the significant problems antibiotic resistance poses in ICUs. "It becomes extremely difficult to handle patients in critical condition in the ICU if they have antibiotic resistance," Dr Borawake said. "Therefore, I advise patients to seek medical attention promptly and get their infections diagnosed early to avoid hospitalisation. We can prevent 20% of hospitalisations due to infectious diseases with early detection."The convention also featured discussions by Dr Deepak Jeswani and Dr Nikhil Balankhe on AMR and its clinical implications, with Dr Jeswani also giving a presentation on the approach to tropical fever in the Measures Against Antibiotic ResistanceVaccination: Prevents infections, reducing the need for antibioticsDiagnostic tests: Identify the specific infection, enabling targeted treatmentEarly detection: Seeking timely medical help can prevent severe infections and hospitalisationNo over-the-counter antibiotics: Avoid self-medication with antibiotics; always consult a doctor
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
KARSAP: 450 pharmacy licences suspended, five cancelled
Licences of 450 pharmacies have been suspended and that of five cancelled to prevent antibiotic misuse as part of strengthening the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), Minister for Health Veena George has said. The Minister who presided over a meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) said the government directive to medical stores to not sell antibiotics without doctors' prescription had been almost fully implemented. The use of antibiotics had not only declined by 20-30% in the State, but it had also been ensured that those in use were comparatively less dangerous. The meeting decided to intensify tests to detect antibiotic residues in milk, meat, and fish. Directions were given to reduce antibiotic levels in cattle and poultry feed. Colour coding It was decided to introduce colour coding to make all hospitals in the State antibiotic smart hospitals. All hospitals should implement the coding in three months. Directions were also given to issue guidelines for local self-government institutions (LSGIs) as part of the antibiotic literacy. The LSGIs would be colour coded according to these guidelines. It was on this basis that they would have to prepare microplans to become antiobiotic smart. Antibiotics should be dispensed in blue covers to make their identification easier. All hospitals, medical stores, and pharmacies should implement this. Steps had also been taken to make more hospitals antibiotic smart. Activities would be strengthened in the private sector with the support of organisations such as Indian Medical Association, Association of Physicians of India, and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Antibiotic literate The Minister said the State was aiming at becoming antibiotic literate by December. She directed that the first district-level antibiogram in the country, brought out by Ernakulam, would be brought out in other districts too in phases. nPROUD (New Program for the Removal of Unused Drugs) launched in Kozhikode for collecting unused and expired drugs and disposing of them scientifically would be expanded across the State.
