Tuesday,
July 29, 2003, Chandigarh, India
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FACE TO FACE
Dr DS Gambhir, director of the Cardiology Department of Kailash Heart Institute, Noida, could well be called as the pioneer in angioplasty in the country. In 1980s, when there were only limited methods to treat heart diseases, he decided to treat a patient using angioplasty. That first experiment was successfully done and brought him to limelight. There has been no looking after that. Internationally recognised for his skills in the non-surgical treatment of coronary artery disease, Dr Gambhir has many firsts to his credit, including stenting for left main coronary stenosis. He has also trained a large number of cardiologists in complex coronary angioplasty. He has been invited as a guest faculty member for live demonstrations and to deliver lectures on coronary interventions not only in India but also in several other countries including the USA, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and Korea. He, who regularly writes for national as well as
international medical journals, has served as the honorary editor of
the Heart Journal for more than six years. He was also a part of the
editorial board of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions
– an official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and
Interventions, USA, and The Heart – an official journal of the
British Cardiac Society. In recognition of his
outstanding contributions towards the growth of interventional
cardiology and patient care, Dr Gambhir was recently given the life
time achievement award by the Delhi Medical Association (DMA).
President of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI), he has also been a recipient of State Award from the Delhi government. In an interview to the NCR Tribune, he spoke in length about various aspects of heart treatment. What is the prevailing situation in our country as far as heart diseases are concerned? The incidence of heart attacks has witnessed a manifold increase in India in the last few decades. Heart attacks now occur at a much earlier age, which are more extensive, and cause major damages to the pumping function of heart. However, the last three decades have also witnessed a revolution in the kinds of treatments available for heart diseases. The primary responsibility of the individual and his family members is to recognise the symptoms of heart attack as early as possible and seek medical attention, first from their physician and then at specialised centres. In over 85 per cent of the cases, heart attack occurs as a result of rupture of a atheroma, with a super added clot at the site, resulting in total obstruction of blood supply to a segment of the heart. In such cases, ‘clot bursters’, which help to dissolve the clots, could be useful, provided these drugs are given with in the first four hours of the beginning of the symptoms. In fact the first hour is the most crucial in saving the heart from extensive damage and thereby prolonging survival. This is known as the golden hour. These clot bursters, however, are not effective in almost half of the cases and sometimes, though it is rare, many also result in serious bleeding. With the discovery of balloon angioplasty in the late 70s, this technique became the preferred one, in those patients who managed to reach specialised cardiac centres, where such specialised facilities were available. The success rate in opening the clogged artery reached 98 per cent and survival improved significantly. However, almost 33 per cent of patients treated by this technique developed recurrence, at the site previously dilated, after four to six months. What are the other techniques which can be more effective? After balloon angioplasty, came the era of deploying a scaffolding device called stent inside the artery, which would prevent recurrence. Although both immediate and follow up results improved, re-blockage still continued to occur in 10 to 15 per cent patients, requiring a second procedure after few months. Following that, the cardiologist were blessed with an amazing innovation in technology, where these stents were coated with a drug called Repamycin, which helps to prevent recurrence within the stent. These newer generations stents are called drug-coated stents and have been known to eliminate the chance of recurrence virtually in almost all cases. Popularly known as ‘smart stents’, a boon for the patients who are prone to develop recurrence of blockage in their coronary arteries, these have revolutionised the treatment of angina and heart attacks. Today, heart attack no longer means an end of life and majority of patients are expected to survive and lead a normal life, provided they seek treatment at a specialized center within the first few hours and get the benefit of best available treatment. And how can one prevent occurrence of heart related diseases? Quit smoking. It not only damages our lungs but also accelerates the process of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Smoking increases the risk of graft-blockage and subsequent myocardial infraction. Life style, if sedantry, should be changed. For elderly people, brisk walking is the ideal exercise. Exercise reduces fat level in the blood and increases circulation to heart muscles and other parts of the body. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors leading to development and progression of atherosclerosis. Diet rich in fats and carbohydrates contributes to obesity, high fat level in blood and thus to development of coronary artery disease. One should have a low-calorie, fat-free diet, which is rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and anti-oxidants. Antioxidants are the substances which reduce the progression of atheroisclerosis. Fresh fruits, green vegetables and sprouts are important sources of anti-oxidants. Increased level of cholesterol predisposes to development of atherosclerosis. A balanced die and regular exercise are required to keep it under control. Diabetes is another predisposing factor in development of coronary artery disease and proper management of diabetes is essential. It is also important to control of
hypertension as stress could be a major risk. |
SOCCER New Delhi, July 28 State Bank, who trailed by 1-2 at the interval, roared back like a wounded animal to slot home three goals in the second half to turn the tables. Navjyoti took the lead in the third minute through Ravinder while former international Anandi Barua restored parity for State Bank three minutes later, off a long ranger. Hukam Bahadur regained the lead for Nepal in the 16th minute to complete the first half scoring. Immediately after resumption, Navjyoti enhanced the lead to 3-1 to put State Bank on the defensive. Alexander converted a penalty kick awarded to the Nepal team by referee Man Singh when Bank custodian Ujjwal Barua intentionally blocked a Navjyoti forward inside the box. Instead of getting disheartened, the bankmen regrouped themselves to undertake a series of assaults at the rival citadel, which fetched them three quick goals. Anandi Barua brilliantly marshalled the Bank attack to score his second goal in the 49th minute to inch closer to the rival team. Another former international Tarun Roy pulled off the equaliser in the 53rd minute while former Delhi State captain Rajesh Joshi slotted in the match-winner in the 58th minute. Earlier, Royal Rangers defeated Bangadarshan 3-1. Striker Daniel Hamghar scored a hat-trick for Rangers to steal the spotlight. He hit the target in the 16th, 24th and 37th minutes while Pushpal Banerjee reduced the margin for Bangadarshan. Royal Rangers have earned nine points from three matches while Bangadarshan have managed just one point from three matches. Indian Air Force defeated Ashoka Club 3-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium. Kalyan Pal opened the account in the 23rd minute while SN Pradhan increased the lead. Inside-left Robin Adhikari completed the tally in the 47th minute. In Group B, Frontiers were held to a 1-1 draw by Cosmos. Dharender Singh put Frontiers ahead in the 32nd minute while Aditya equalised for Cosmos in the 57th minute. Garhwal Diamond defeated Hans Club by 1-0 in a Group A match. Harish Negi scored the lone goal in the 13th minute. Garhwal Diamond have earned seven points from three matches while Hans have to their credit only two points from three games. Glorious crushed Delhi Veterans 4-0 at the Nehru Stadium. Deepak scored three goals, in the 9th, 24th and 55th minutes, though he could not record a hat-trick as Rajesh butted into slam in the third goal in the 22nd minute. Glorious have six points from three matches while Delhi Veterans have managed only three points from as many games. Delhi
Cantonment were held to a 1-1 draw by Uttaranchal Heroes. Bikram put Delhi Cantt in the lead when he scored a goal in the 18th minute. Azbek equalised for Uttaranchal Heroes in the 54th minute. Delhi Cantt have collected five points from three matches while Uttaranchal Heroes have earned five points from four matches. In a crucial Super Six match of B Division, Rohini Club drew with Paschim Heroes 1-1 to qualify for the A
Division League. Paschim Heroes took the lead in the 16th minute through Khalid while Lalit equalised for Rohini in the 44th minute. Rohini have topped the Super Six League with 12 points with Paschim Heroes at the second place on nine points. Nivia are placed third with eight points. Tuesday’s matches: Garhwal Heroes vs Royal (3.30 p m); Youngmen vs Uttrakhand (4.45 p m)— Ambedkar Stadium. Hans vs Ahbab (3.30 p m); Youngmen vs Uttrakhand (4.45 pm)—Nehru Stadium. |
DTTA to hold Inter-School TT Tournament New Delhi, July 28 The introduction of the kiddies and cadet events in many prominent tournaments conducted by the DTTA enables the coaches and officials to identify talent at a very young age. The dynamic organising secretary of the DTTA Hukam Singh has been the moving force behind the throbbing table tennis movement in the Capital. In fact, the Talkatora indoor stadium is perennially booked for holding table tennis events, which is a very encouraging sign as far as the development of the sport is concerned. Table tennis is a very popular discipline in most of the schools of Delhi, and because of that a large number of children take to the game at a very young age, creating a very good assembly line of players in the Capital and adjoining region. Close on the heels of the Manav Sthali Tournament, the DTTA is now gearing up to host the Inter-School and Inter-Club League Tournaments at the Talkatora indoor stadium from August 7 to 13. The tournaments will be open to boys and girls in different age groups from the recognised schools of the Capital and adjoining towns like Faridabad and Gurgaon. Entries close on August 1 with organising secretary Hukam Singh at 6/2543, Beadonpura, Karol Bagh, New Delhi (Ph: 25728763/25815040) or Mr R K Sharma, manager, Talkatora indoor stadium. |
Sachin adjudged
best boxer Sonepat, July 28 Sachin (57-60 kg weight category), among seniors, was adjudged the best boxer. In the volleyball championship, which concluded on Friday evening, Varuna sadan won the first position while the second place was jointly shared by Indira and Soma
sadans. According to athletics coach, R S Hooda, an inter-house Athletics championship will also be organised soon. |
Good response to Maruti treasure hunt New Delhi, July 28 The rally provided an euphoria of discovery, the thrill of driving through the mean streets of Delhi over a 70-km route to reveal hidden clues. The joy of participating in one of the biggest fun treasure hunts of the nation was very visible on the faces of the participants. The cars were flagged off from the Ashoka Hotel on Sunday. The rally witnessed the largest number of entries ever received for an event of this kind. After cracking various clues, given to all the participants and
criss-crossing through the various checkpoints. Vinay Sawhney, driving his Wagon R, won the first prize of genuine car accessories worth Rs 20,000. J S Jaggi, driving a Maruti 800, and V Singh, driving an Esteem, won the second and third prizes respectively. Sanjeev Chandra won the contest in the senior class category while Madhu Singhal won the ladies’ class title. This is the first time ever that such an organised treasure hunt is being conducted in 17 cities throughout the country. Already, around 1800 participants have enjoyed the exhilaration of treasure hunting on roads at Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Cochin, Bangalore and Nagpur. |
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