Prioritizing Heart Health

 

Prioritizing Heart Health

Key Insights from Dr. Siddharth Yadavrao Sonkamble

As heart disease continues to be a major health concern, it’s crucial to prioritize heart health, especially given recent instances where celebrities and young individuals have suffered heart attacks. In the Times of India’s Doctors’ Day special section, Dr. Siddharth Yadavrao Sonkamble, an experienced consultant interventional cardiologist, highlighted the importance of preventive measures and lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy heart.

Why Heart Attacks Are on the Rise

In recent times, heart attacks have become more prevalent, particularly in younger age groups. Dr. Sonkamble attributes this alarming trend to modern lifestyles. “Sedentary life without physical activity leads to obesity and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hypertension,” he explains. Furthermore, the increase in smoking, tobacco, and drug use also significantly impacts cardiac health. “Work stress only adds to these risks,” he adds.

The Importance of Regular Heart Check-ups

Prevention and early detection are key to avoiding severe heart conditions. Dr. Sonkamble emphasizes the importance of regular heart check-ups that include routine blood investigations such as lipid profiles, ECGs, ECHOs, and treadmill tests (TMTs). “If any abnormalities are detected, more advanced tests such as a CT coronary angiogram or conventional coronary angiography should be performed to assess blockages and prevent further complications,” he advises. Treatments such as coronary angioplasty or open-heart surgery can be recommended based on these findings.

Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Heart

In addition to regular check-ups, Dr. Sonkamble recommends incorporating healthy lifestyle habits to prevent cardiac diseases.

Exercise

“Aerobic exercises like walking and jogging can help reduce the risk of heart disease,” Dr. Sonkamble says. Consistency in maintaining physical activity is essential to keeping the heart healthy.

Diet

A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is vital. “Reducing salt intake helps prevent hypertension,” he notes, adding that diabetics should follow a diet tailored to managing their blood sugar levels.

Stress Management

Work-related stress is one of the hidden contributors to poor heart health. Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Conclusion

Taking care of your heart involves a balanced combination of regular check-ups and making smart lifestyle choices. As Dr. Sonkamble puts it, “With simple changes like exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and reducing stress, you can protect your heart for the long term.” Heart health should never be taken lightly, and preventive measures are the key to ensuring a healthy and fulfilling life.

For more personalized advice or to schedule a heart health consultation, feel free to contact Dr. Siddharth Sonkamble through our clinic.

 

Large La Myxoma In Young Stroke Patient Treated Surgically

Large La Myxoma In Young Stroke Patient Treated Surgically

Introduction

Atrial myxoma remains a rare clinical entity with an incidence of surgically resected cases of 0.5–0.7 per million population and prevalence of 5 per 10,000. It typically manifests in woman after third decade of life; symptoms vary greatly and may present with arrhythmia, intracardiac flow obstruction, embolic phenomenon, and associated constitutional symptoms. Neurological complications associated with atrial myxoma most frequently include cerebral infarct due to embolus.

Case Presentation

22 year male patient presented with ataxia,difficulty in swallowing,vomitings and weakness and decreased sensation in limbs. His MRI brain showed non hemorrhagic infarct involving Dorsolateral medulla.He was evaluated for cause of development of stroke.On detail evaluation by cardiologist his ECHO showed Large irregular mobile mass measuring 6.3 x3.8 cm,present in LA extending to LV so differential diagnosis of LA myxoma,Large clot or vegetation was kept.Cardiac MRI showed a large well defined heterogeneously enhancing lobulated,oval,mobile,pedunculated mass in left atrium attached to the interatrial septum with prolapse into left ventricle through AV valve likely Left atrial myxoma.

CTVS opinion taken in view of large LA myxoma and potential risk of further embolization.Plan for surgical excision was made and on 12/08/2023 he underwent successful excision of LA myxoma without any complication at medicover hospital Navi mumbai.He was discharged on 17/08/2023.

Discussion

Atrial myxomas occur predominantly in females, with the peak between the fourth and sixth decade of life. Some studies suggest the ratios of women to men are 2.05:1 and 0.75:1 for left and right atrial myxomas, respectively.Macroscopically, atrial myxomas are often pedunculated and soft in texture. The myxoma diameter varies from 1 to 15 cm with a weight of between 15 and 180 g. The tumor can present with a smooth, villous, or friable surface. The villous and friable myxomas tend to be associated with embolic events, while the smooth myxomas are usually large and present more with an obstructive picture.

In our case 22 year old male presented with embolic infarct.On evaluation it was diagnosed as a Large Left atrial myxoma,requiring surgery to prevent further embolic episodes and mechanical complication.

Patient underwent successful Left atrial myxoma excision without any complication and discharged home.This Is Unusual Presentation Of La Myxoma In A Male Patient With Stroke.

Conclusion

LA Myxoma are rare cardiac tumours.Present with cardio-embolic events,heart failure ,cardiac arrhythmia or infection.They can be managed with complete surgical excision with good result.

Pre Surgery MRI
Tumour mass after Surgical Removal