A bra that warns of heart attack Monitors Health Signals And Uploads Info That Can Be Seen By Doc

Washington: Ladies, imagine sporting a bra which can tell your doctor if you're having a heart attack — and where to send the ambulance. Well, it's now a reality, all thanks to an Indian-origin researcher-led team in the US. 

    Vijay Varadan and colleagues at University of Arkansas have designed such an "e-bra" which is meant for sick women and atheletes. The bra has integrated sensors that measures vital health signals and uploads the information to a wireless network such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which the patient and their doctor can then access, the 'Daily Mail' reported. 

    Varadan said: "Our e-bra enables continuous, real- time monitoring to identify any pathophysiological changes. It is a platform on which various sensors for cardiac-health monitoring are integrated into the fabric. The garment collects and transmits vital health signals to any desired location in the world." 

    The system monitors blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen consumption and some neural activity. It takes the same readings as conventional electrocardiograph (ECG), and so can even tell if a patient is having a heart attack, the researchers say. The system doesn't require a cuff or any extra accessories to measure blood pressure and could therefore replace conventional blood-pressure monitors. The sensors are smaller than a dime and are made of arrays of gold nano-electrodes fabricated on to a flexible base, they are woven in to the bra material, according to the researchers. 

    They communicate with system software via a wireless module that snaps on to the bra. This collects and compresses the information before sending it over a network to a secure database. The data can be viewed on separate windows for each measurement. It includes GPS that can track the patient anywhere in the world. PTI

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DON’T WORRY Be optimistic, cut heart attack risk

London: Be an optimist, it's good for your heart, according to a Harvard School of Public Health review of more than 200 studies. 

    Researchers found cheerful people have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke — while such people may be generally healthier, a sense of well-being is what that lowers risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

    The researchers trawled medical trial databases to find studies that had recorded psychological well-being and cardiovascular health, the BBC reported. 

    This revealed that factors such as optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness appeared to be linked associated with a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases, regardless of a person's age, socio-economic status, smoking status or body weight. Disease risk was 50% lower among the most optimistic individuals. 

    However, Julia Boehm, who led the review, stresses that the work only suggests a link and is not proof that well-being buffers against heart disease. The people in the study who were more optimistic engaged in healthier behaviours such as getting more exercising and eating a balanced diet, which will have some influence. PTI

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Prevention, innovation keys to heart care

    Indians are different and more prone to coronary artery heart diseases; and it's a genetic fact. In fact, 50% of all heart diseases in the 

world are happening in India. So it's important to know how to save oneself," said Dr Ashok Seth, President Elect, Cardiological Society of India. The epidemic of CVDs is increasing rapidly in India, especially coronary heart disease and stroke resulting in epidemiologicalhealth transition in the country. Though CVDs are the world's number one killer, it can be prevented. Responding to the need of the hour, The Times of India organised a conclave in association with Cardiological Society of India, on October 20, in the Capital, to offer a platform to various stakeholders of the healthcare fraternity to deliberate upon effective healthcare solutions for growing concerns of health threats. Titled as 'India Heart Conclave', the health forum was spread over various sessions, namely, 'Public awareness on preventive measure before life threatening event strikes'; 'Prevention-A multi pronged strategy'; Hard hitting facts on CVDs - Millennium development goals'; 'Clinical insights: Cutting edge treatments and technologies'; and 'Making advanced care affordable to the man: Where are the road blocks and the solution'. 
    "In India, communicable diseases have become less burdensome, but non communicable ones are more problematic now. Longevity and fast lifestyle have landed us into this challenging situation," said Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Govt of India, while addressing the audience at the inaugural session. He added, "Besides, we should have more curative centres in the country and follow a systematic approach to prevention. Role of public and private sector together is important and government must help to promote and encourage the partnership." 
    The forum started with training session on 'Public awareness on preventive measure before life threatening event strikes' which was followed by discussion on prevention and role of diet, food habits and lifestyle interventions. 
    In India, CVDs are on the rise due to stressful lifestyle. Poor and lower middle class can't afford private hospital treatment costs. "First three hours are very important for a person being diagnosed with cardiac disease. The only government super specialty hospital to cure CVDs is G. B. Pant Hospital. Understanding the dire need, we are planning two more super specialty hospitals in the Capital," said Dr Ashok Walia, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Employment, Revenue and Irrigation Delhi and Flood Control, Govt of NCT of Delhi. 
    Food habits play a major role in keeping one healthy and sturdy. One should know what and what not to eat. What oil we use and in what quantity also make a lot of difference apart from daily exercise and yogic exercises. As per Dr Anju Ghei, Head, Preventive Healthcare, VLCC, "Mustard oil is the best for cooking food. Or you can mix mustard oil with other refined oil to make it. Besides, canola oil is also good and isn't as expensive as olive oil." "You do exercise at least one hour a day. Yoga is very good for health. Also, 30 minutes of aerobic per day is a must to keep your heart healthy," added Ghei. 
    In cardiology cases, we need to focus more on availability, accessibility and affordability. "We have to go and build brick by brick. At least 
10 % of GDP should be spent on healthcare, besides upgradation of at least 100 more hospitals like AIIMS. Also, telemedicines should be harnessed, for 80 % of our population has mobile phones," said Dr Balram Bhargava, Sr Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Sciences Centre and Executive Director, Satndford India Biodesign Centre, AIIMS. Anshu Prakash, Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), Govt of NCT of Delhi, said: "First thing is affordability which is different for different individuals. But before anything, it's always prevention. The most important aspect one should focus upon is the health check up, which we all must get done at regularly to diagnose the disease at the initial stage itself." 
    Three hours is the maximum time period to evacuate the patient and perform treatment on the heart patient. The government needs to create more healthcare facilities. In India, we have cheaper treatment procedures as compared to any other country. "The problem is we are not focusing on generic drugs. If we produce more on them, quality checks could be conducted in a better way," added Prakash. 
    The next session focused of advancements and future applications of medical technology inhealth. It dwelled on bringing modern health technology to people by encouraging innovations related to diagnostics, treatment methods as well as prevention in terms of vaccines. "Innovations should be encouraged more in the health sector. Innovations in drugs and vaccines can change the paradigm of health sector in India," said Dr Naresh Trehan, Chief Cardiologist and Chairman, Medanta - The Medicity. 
    India does not have good quality regulatory bodies to access medical procedures and equipments which is why people do not have confidence in products and procedures being made here. "People want to have foreign stamped or world known branded medical devices for they are established ones and tried and tested," said Seth. 
    According to Amit Kumar, Regional Director and GM, South East and South Asia, Abbott Healthcare, "India needs to have novel technology in the medical field. India has caliber and skills to manufacture medical devices. What perhaps is missing is the enabling environment in terms of competent suppliers. As far as intel lectual property is concerned it can always be acquired. We need to scale up in terms of technology and support from government is most important. 
    As per Dr H. S. Rissam, Di rector Clinical Cardiac Sciences and Senor Interventional Car diologist, Max Heart & Vascu lar Institute and Member Board of Governor, Medical Council of India,"Government must give free land and cut down on custom charges on medical de vices. Government must en courage the private sector to come and play its role. The PPP model should be encouraged for the advancement Indian med ical industry; future lies with the private players," said Rissam.

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WORLD HEART DAY SEPTEMBER 29

HIGH CHOLESTEROL Women catch up with men

Age Profile Of Cardiac Patients Too Drops Further As Haywire Urban Lifestyle Takes Its Toll

    City doctors warn that the notion of women being less prone to cardiac problems needs to change fast. Now, a survey by a city-based laboratory has found that the possible underlying cause of rising heart ailments could be alarming cholesterol levels in women. 

    Metropolis laboratories released data on cholesterol levels of 17,379 men and 15,255 women who had got themselves tested between January 2009 and July this year. A whopping 36% men and 33% women were found to have at least one abnormal cholesterol parameter or undesirable cholesterol and triglycerides presence in their blood stream. But what is most worrisome is that women seem to be fast catching up with men in terms of high cholesterol levels. 
    Doctors say this calls for a detailed analysis as to how women are showing higher cholesterol levels despite the protection of estrogen (the primary female hormone). The survey revealed how 55.7% women in the 25-45 age bracket had abnormally high cholesterol in comparison to 43.4% men. Also, out of the 3,586 women found to have abnormal cholesterol levels, around 1,225 had very high cholesterol. Further, the numbers reflected how more women had abysmally high level (56.5%) of bad cholesterol, and an equal percentage were on the verge of tipping over. 
    According to Dr Rajesh Bendre, head of immunochemistry, Metropolis Healthcare, the situation could be grimmer as lipid profile tests are just basic parameters. "The incidence of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease is increasingly seen in younger age groups. The numbers are surprising given that not many women smoke or drink." 
    Interventional cardiologist Dr Vijay Bang from Lilavati Hospital blamed sedentary lifestyle for the incidence. 
    However, some doctors believe more research is needed on whether higher cholesterol level is translating into more heart attacks in women. Dr Anand Rao, interventional cardiologist ofHoly Family Hospital, said that young women suffering heart attacks have some family history or underlying condition like diabetes. "Seldom do we find high cholesterol as a cause in women unlike in men," said Rao, who blamed smoking for heart attacks in women. "(But) the protection women enjoy from estrogen is quite strong." 
WHAT IS PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE 
Arteries that carry blood to arms or legs become narrow due to build-up of cholesterol, causing blood flow to slow down or stop. Ignoring symptoms of pain, tingling or numbness could lead to gangrene and even loss of a limb. Deep vein thrombosis relates to clots deep in the body 
EMERGENCY | A clot from the heart can reach the limbs, cutting blood supply instantly. Prompt action is needed to save the limb RISK | It usually occurs in those over 50. More men than women are affected. Smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol & obesity are contributory factors 
TREATMENT | Lifestyle changes and, at times, surgery or stenting

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HEALTHY DRINK Dark secret: Coffee helps beat the blues

London: It's now official: Coffee is good for you, as its mood-boosting effect could well be lasting far longer than we realize, says a new Harvard University study. 

    The study, which compared the coffee intake and risk of depression amongst nearly 51,000 women over 10 years, found that those who drink four or more cups a day are a fifth less likely to become depressed. 
    And those who drink between two or three cups a day cut their risk by 15%, found the study, published in the Journal of American Medicine Association. Though the study did not look at men, other studies have already found that it has a similar effect. 
    The Harvard scientists believe that caffeine works like antidepressant pills by stopping the production of certain hormones such as serotonin. They also said it improves our feelings of well-being and gives us more energy over long periods. "Our results support a protective effect of caffeine, mainly from coffee consumption, on risk of depression," study author Michel Lucas, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. 
    "Further investigations are needed to confirm this finding and to determine whether usual caffeinated coffee consumption may contribute to prevention or treatment of depression," he added. It has been found that coffee had the strongest influence reducing depression, but the decaf variety didn't work at all. PTI

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Eyelid marks warn of heart attack

Continue reading the main story

Xanthelasmata are mostly made up of cholesterol

A study published on the BMJ website showed patients with xanthelasmata were 48% more likely to have a heart attack.

Yellow markings on the eyelids are a sign of increased risk of heart attack and other illnesses, say researchers in Denmark.

Xanthelasmata, which are mostly made up of cholesterol, could be a sign of other fatty build-ups in the body.

Cardiologists said the findings could be used by doctors to help diagnose at-risk patients.

The research team at the Herlev Hospital in Denmark started following 12,745 people in the 1970s.

At the start of the study, 4.4% of patients had xanthelasmata.

Yellow alert

Thirty three years later, 1,872 had had a heart attack, 3,699 had developed heart disease and 8,507 had died - and the data showed that those with the yellow markings around the eyes were at greatest risk.

Those with the markings were 48% more likely to have a heart attack, 39% more likely to have developed heart disease and 14% more likely to have died during the study.

The authors believe patients with xanthelasmata may be more likely to deposit cholesterol around the body.

A build up of fatty material in the walls of arteries - known as atherosclerosis - leads to stroke and heart attack.

For both men and women in several age groups, the data said there was a one in five chance of developing heart disease in the next decade if the patient had xanthelasmata.

The authors said such patients were "generally considered to be at high risk" and should have "lifestyle changes and treatment to reduce [bad] cholesterol."

However they warned that: "Today, most people with xanthelasmata are seen by dermatologists, when they want their xanthelasmata removed for cosmetic reasons.

"Some of these people may not have been managed according to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease."

A review of the study, by US cardiologists Antonio Fernandez and Paul Thompson, concluded that: "Xanthelasmata could be used by general clinicians to help identify people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease."

Judy O'Sullivan, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "There are many different techniques to predict someone's risk of developing heart disease in the future, none of which are perfect. The most important thing is that any one of these techniques is used in the first place."

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Device to sniff out heart failure

Gas Sensors Are Used To Check Odorous Molecules In Sweat

London: Scientists have developed what they claim is an 'electronic nose' which can "smell" heart failure. 
    A team at the University Hospital Jena in Germany says the 'electronic nose' system consists of an array of three thick-film metal oxide based gas sensors with heater elements. Each of the sensors had a slightly different sensitivity to various odorant molecular types. 
    "The early detection of chronic heart failure (CHF) through periodical screening facilitates early treatment application," said Vasileios Kechagias, who led a team at the University Hospital Jena in Germany. 
    Heart failure is a common, costly, disabling and potentially deadly condition. It's linked to significantly reduced physical and mental health, resulting in a markedly decreased quality of life. Although some people survive many years, disease is associated with an overall increased mortality and morbidity. 
    "We conducted a daily screening of patients with different degrees of heart failure. For the study, eligible patients were enrolled after informed consent, and the collected data was anonymous," Kechagias said. 
    In particular, the relevant laboratory parameters for heart failure (minerals, creatinine, blood gas analysis) were collected and a clinical assessment of heart failure based on the available parameters (clinical history, laboratory, echocardiography, and exercise stress test) was performed. 
    The researchers screened a total of 250 patients and included 126 in the study in which testing was optimized through a standardized skin preparation. 
    The assignment of patients to the different groups (no heart failure vs moderate heart failure vs decompensated heart failure) was performed by physicians blinded for the measured values through the electronic nose. PTI

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By ’15, coronary heart cases will treble

6.15 Crore Indians Will Be Affected: Health Min Report

New Delhi: Cases of coronary heart disease (CHD) in India in 2015 are expected to be three times the number reported in 2000. While in 2000, an estimated 2.7 crore Indians were suffering from CHD, the number is expected to increase to 6.15 crore by 2015, according to Union health ministry's latest national health profile projections 2010. In 2005, India was estimated to have 3.5 crore CHD patients while in 2010, the number stood at 4.6 crore.
    An interesting trend, according to the ministry's projections, is the stark increase in CHD cases in the age group of 20-29. While CHD was estimated to have affected 45 lakh Indians in this age group in 2,000, the number progressively increased to 61 lakh in 2005 and 83 lakh in 2010. However in 2015, the number will break the one crore barrier mark–1.04 crore in the age group 20-29 years. What's really stark is the tremendous gap in the number of rural and urban Indians in this age group suffering from CHD. While in 2000, 17.99 lakh rural Indians aged 20-29 and 27.1 lakh urban Indians suffered from CHD, the gap would increase to 23.24 lakh rural and 81 lakh urban Indians in 2015, showing clearly how heart disease would jump manifold in young urban Indians due to their faulty lifestyle. Speaking to TOI, director of interventional cardiology at Moolchand Medcity Dr Deepak Natarajan said, "India will definitely see a huge increase in CHD. The problem is that Indians are doing everything that is wrong – they have no time to exercise, are driven by money and markets, hence eat junk, have no control over their hypertension and have the worst lifestyles in the world. An average person is obese and smokes. India's growth rate is directly linked to the country's spike in heart disease."
    In CHD cases heart's blood supply is blocked by a build-up of fatty substances in coronary arteries. The walls of the arteries can become narrow with fatty deposits. If coronary arteries become narrow, the blood supply gets restricted causing chest pain. If it becomes completely blocked, it causes a heart attack.

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