Latest news with #NiranjanHiremath
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Quick Test To Predict Life Expectancy
New Delhi: A quick 30-second physical assessment might predict how long one might live, according to recent research that connects physical capabilities to lifespan. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, evaluated individuals' ability to transition between standing and floor-sitting positions and back up again, without utilising their hands, knees or the support of objects or other people. Health professionals note that this basic movement serves as a crucial health marker, revealing information about a person's physical state, including flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination. These physical qualities show a direct link with heart health and overall cardiovascular function. The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) evaluated 4,282 people aged 46 to 75 years (68% men), with scores from 0 to 10 based on performance. Lower-scoring participants showed higher mortality rates. Middle-aged and older subjects who completed the test independently demonstrated better survival rates. The study expanded upon previous research examining SRT scores and longevity. The test is scored out of 10 points — 5 for sitting down and 5 for standing up. Begin by crossing one foot in front of the other and lowering yourself to the floor; deduct 1 point for each support used (hand, forearm or knee). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices) Air Condition | Search Ads Search Now Undo Once seated, stand up using the same method of scoring: subtract 1 point for each support and 0.5 points for any loss of balance or wobble. Throughout a 12-year median observation period, natural causes resulted in 665 deaths, comprising 15.5% of participants. Mortality rates were 3.7% for those scoring 10, rising to 11.1% for scores of 8. The lowest-scoring 10% (0-4) showed a 42.1% mortality rate. After accounting for various factors, those scoring 0-4 showed 3.8 times higher overall mortality risk and 6.0 times higher cardiovascular mortality risk compared to those scoring 10, who could sit and rise from the floor without support or instability. Researcher Claudio Gil Araújo advised against unsupervised testing. People with physical limitations, including hip or spine injuries, or severe joint conditions, should also avoid this assessment to prevent potential harm. Dr Niranjan Hiremath, senior cardiovascular consultant and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained, "Poor performance in SRT may indicate reduced cardiovascular reserve, arterial stiffness — an early marker of aging blood vessels — or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which affects how well the heart adjusts during movement. This test highlights functional decline that is often invisible in standard check-ups. Patients may have normal blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but if they lack the physical ability to perform simple movements, their long-term risk for cardiac events may still be high." Dr Ashish Agarwal, director and head, cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, noted that poor performance might indicate muscle weakness, joint stiffness, coordination issues, or excess weight. These factors correlate with heart disease, diabetes and chronic conditions. Emphasising that performance enhancement was achievable through consistent effort, Dr Manish Dhawan, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Sir Gangaram Hospital, recommended stretching routines for legs, hips and lower back to maintain flexibility as well as strength training through squats and chair-rising exercises without hand support to build leg and hip strength. He advised core exercises, including planks and floor routines, to strengthen back and abdominal muscles and single-leg standing, yoga and gentle exercises are recommended for balance improvement. Dr Sanjeev Aggarwal, director, cardiac sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, stressed the significance of incorporating activities promoting flexibility into everyday routines rather than treating them as sporadic exercise sessions.
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Cardiac surgeon reveals why silent heart attacks are a risk for even young and fit Indians: Causes to prevention tips
Can you have a heart attack and not know it? Silent heart attacks can be particularly dangerous because they often go unnoticed, and the damage may only be discovered later. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Niranjan Hiremath, senior consultant and cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Apollo Indraprastha, New Delhi, said that silent heart attacks are a growing concern among young Indians. Also read | Cardiologist warns of alarming rise in heart attacks among young smokers under 40: Know symptoms, causes and prevention Dr Hiremath said, 'It's an alarming thought — someone in their 30s or 40s, apparently healthy and active, suddenly collapses or ends up in an emergency room, diagnosed with a heart attack, which they never saw coming. These are not just rare exceptions anymore. In this digital era, increasingly, cases of 'silent heart attacks' are being reported among youngsters, who show no obvious signs of heart trouble.' Estimates suggest that 22 percent to 60 percent of all heart attacks are silent, and that such attacks may be more common in women or people with diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But what exactly is a silent heart attack, and why is it affecting people who appear to be in the prime of their health? Dr Hiremath said: 'Unlike the dramatic chest-clutching scenes we generally associate with heart attacks, a silent heart attack can occur with little or no noticeable indications. Medically known as a 'silent myocardial infarction' — it damages the heart muscle just like a regular heart attack, but goes overlooked, often until much later.' He added that sometimes, symptoms are so mild or unusual that they are brushed off as fatigue, acidity, gas-related problems or muscle pain. According to Dr Hiremath, the stereotype of a heart patient being overweight, sedentary, or elderly no longer stands. He said that 'many teens with healthy-looking bodies and active lifestyles are now part of heart disease statistics. 'Stressful work environments, irregular sleep cycles, processed foods, smoking, drinking, and excessive gym routines without proper heart checks are all part of the problem,' Dr Hiremath said. He added, 'Another major risk factor is genetics. In general, Indians are genetically more prone to heart disease at an earlier age due to smaller coronary arteries and a higher prevalence of diabetes and cholesterol issues. So even if someone looks fit from the outside due to their physique, they may be carrying silent risk factors inside.' The tricky part about silent heart attacks is the lack of typical symptoms. 'But some subtle signs can still be there — mild chest discomfort, breathlessness during exercise, unexplained fatigue, pain in the jaw, neck or arms, dizziness, or indigestion-like discomfort – which are often ignored or misread as something harmless, especially by the youth,' Dr Hiremath said. He added, 'It's also common for people to assume that being slim or going to the gym daily automatically protects them from heart related issues. But physical appearance or physique doesn't always reflect what's going on inside the arteries.' Even if you're a teen and have no symptoms, according to Dr Hiremath, getting an annual health check-up — including ECG (electrocardiogram), cholesterol tests, blood pressure, and if necessary, a stress test — can help detect early warning signs. He said, 'Individual with family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should be extra cautious. Also, fitness should be holistic — combining regular exercise and gym, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management. Over-exercising without medical clearance or extreme dieting can do more harm than good.' Dr Hiremath also spoke about how by being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps, people can reduce their likelihood of experiencing a silent heart attack and improve their overall cardiovascular health. He suggested you start with small, sustainable lifestyle changes: 'Quit smoking, cut down on processed food and sugar and manage your weight. Also, practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing to control stress. Sleep at least 7–8 hours daily. And most importantly, don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you. If something feels off/bad, get it checked.' 'The face of heart disease in India is changing. It's no longer about age — it's about awareness. A silent heart attack doesn't announce its arrival, but the damage it causes can be lifelong or, worse, fatal. Whether you're a busy professional, a gym enthusiast, or just someone who feels fine, your heart deserves attention. Don't wait for a warning or signs — stay ahead of it,' Dr Hiremath concluded. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
