'lifestyle modifications'

2D Echocardiography or 2D Echo of heart is a test in which ultrasound technique is used to take pictures of heart. It displays a cross sectional ‘slice’ of the beating heart, showing chambers, valves and the major blood vessels of heart. ‘Doppler’ is a special element of this ultrasound exam that assesses flow of blood in the heart. How is 2D Echo done? Patient is made to change in a front open robe and a colourless gel is applied to the chest area. Then he is asked to lay on his left side as the technician moves the transducer across the various parts of his chest to get specific/desired views of the heart. Instructions may also be given to the patient to breathe slowly or to hold it. This helps in getting superior quality pictures. What it detects? Echocardiography is a significant tool in providing the physician important information about heart on the following: • Size of the chambers, volume and the thickness of the walls • Pumping function, if it is normal or reduced to a mild/severe degree • Valve function – structure, thickness and movement of heart’s valves • Volume status as low blood pressure may occur as a result of poor heart function • Pericardial effusion (fluid in the pericardium – the sac that surrounds the heart), congenital heart disease, blood clots or tumours, abnormal elevation of pressure within the lungs etc. How safe is echocardiography? It is absolutely safe. There are no known risks of the ultrasound in this type of testing. Stress, modern lifestyle and many other factors have adverse effects on the heart. Hence, routine analysis of the heart health is important. 2D echocardiography is a screening test that produces live heart images. It allows your doctor to monitor the functioning of your heart and its valves.

Angioplasty and stent placement are common procedures to open arteries in the heart that are clogged. These procedures are formally known as coronary angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention. Angioplasty involves the use of a tiny balloon to widen the artery. A stent is a tiny wire-mesh tube that your doctor inserts into the artery. The stent stays in place to prevent the artery from closing. A cardiologist typically performs both procedures at the same time. Why it's done? Angioplasty is used to treat the buildup of fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels. This buildup is a type of heart disease known as atherosclerosis. Angioplasty may be a treatment option for you if: • You have tried medications or lifestyle changes but these have not improved your heart health. • You have chest pain (angina) that is worsening. • You have a heart attack. Angioplasty can quickly open a blocked artery, reducing damage to your heart. What are the benefits of a coronary angioplasty? In most cases, the blood flow through the coronary arteries improves after an angioplasty. Many people find their symptoms get significantly better and they’re able to do more than they could before the procedure. If you’ve had a heart attack, an angioplasty can increase your chances of surviving more than clot-busting medication (thrombolysis). The procedure can also reduce your chances of having another heart attack in the future. How safe is a coronary angioplasty? A coronary angioplasty is 1 of the most common types of treatment for the heart. Coronary angioplasties are most commonly performed in people aged 65 or older, as they’re more likely to have heart disease. As the procedure doesn’t involve making major incisions in the body, it’s usually carried out safely in most people. Doctors refer to this as a minimally invasive form of treatment. The risk of serious complications from a coronary angioplasty is generally small, but this depends on factors such as: • your age • your general health • whether you’ve had a heart attack

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower high blood pressure and protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. High blood pressure is now classified as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 and diastolic over 80. To prevent high blood pressure, everyone should be encouraged to make lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and getting more exercise. Treatment with medication is recommended to lower blood pressure to less than 130/80 in people older than age 65 and those with risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Treating high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes and possibly drug therapy. Lifestyle Changes to Treat High Blood Pressure - A critical step in preventing and treating high blood pressure is a healthy lifestyle. You can lower your blood pressure with the following lifestyle changes: • Losing weight if you are overweight or obese • Quitting smoking • Eating a healthy diet, including the DASH diet (eating more fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products, less saturated and total fat) • Getting regular aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week) • Limiting alcohol Symptoms of high blood pressure - Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. This is why it’s sometimes called “the silent killer.” It is very important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Some people experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath with high blood pressure. What causes high blood pressure? Food, medicine, lifestyle, age, and genetics can cause high blood pressure. Your doctor can help you find out what might be causing yours. Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure include: • A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol. • Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol. • Family history, especially if your parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure. • Lack of physical activity. • Some birth control medicines. • Stress • Tobacco use or drinking too much alcohol.