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Markapuram Resident Thrives After Innovative Glaucoma Surgery at Maxivision KPHB 4

Hyderabad – In a groundbreaking medical development at Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital, Mrs. Subbulu resident of Markapuram, has become one of the first patients to undergo a cutting-edge glaucoma surgery, known as KDB Excisional Goniotomy, along with cataract surgery. This advanced procedure was performed by Dr. K. Harshitha, Cataract and Glaucoma surgeon, Maxivision Eye Hospital, and has significantly improved the patient’s quality of life.

glaoucoma patient

Mrs. Subbulu had been suffering from Pigmentary Glaucoma in both eyes and was on three anti-glaucoma medications for the past 1.5 years. While her left eye had already been operated on for cataract, her right eye had significant cataract development. Living away from her children made it difficult for her to manage her medication schedule, which required administering eye drops three times a day for both eyes.

Taking these challenges into consideration, Dr. Harshitha recommended a KDB Excisional Goniotomy in conjunction with cataract surgery for her right eye. This minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) aims to stabilize intraocular pressure (IOP) while reducing or potentially eliminating the need for glaucoma drops for up to 5–10 years. After extensive counseling with Mrs. Subbulu and her family, they agreed to proceed with the surgery.

On October 2, 2023, the first-ever KDB Excisional Goniotomy combined with cataract surgery A at Maxivison was successfully performed. The results were remarkable, and Mrs. Subbulu has been free from glaucoma drops in her right eye for nearly a year.

Recently, impressed by the positive outcome, Mrs. Subbulu opted for the same procedure on her left eye, which was performed by Dr. Harshitha on September 11, 2024.

“My quality of life improved significantly after the right eye surgery, and once I was convinced that this new procedure effectively reduces intraocular pressure, I decided to have it done for my left eye as well,” said Mrs. subbulu.

Her son, who was closely involved in her care, added, “Dr. Harshitha patiently explained the benefits of the new glaucoma procedure over traditional surgeries, and we are glad we chose this option for both of my mother’s eyes.”

Highlighting the significance of this procedure, Dr. K. Harshitha, Cataract and Glaucoma surgeon, Maxivision Eye Hospital stated, “New glaucoma procedures, such as MIGS, act as a bridge between the use of glaucoma eye drops and conventional, highly invasive surgeries. These minimally invasive surgeries offer a shorter recovery period and can be combined with cataract surgery, improving the patient’s comfort. KDB Excisional Goniotomy involves using a specially designed single-use device to remove the tissue that causes resistance to fluid drainage inside the eye, thereby reducing eye pressure. The type of MIGS procedure chosen depends on the patient’s suitability, and with promising results and a strong safety profile, these surgeries are quickly gaining popularity.”

Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospital continues to lead the way in offering innovative treatments for glaucoma and cataracts, providing patients with advanced solutions to manage and improve their vision and overall quality of life.

Turbostart Invests USD1 Million in Ai Health Highway to Transform Healthcare with AiSteth

Hyderabad/Bangalore, October 05, 2024 – Turbostart, a global sector-agnostic venture capital platform, has made a USD 1 million investment in Ai Health Highway as part of its Pre-Series A round funding. Ai Health Highway is a company that focuses on providing tech-enabled screening tools that help in the early detection of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improving healthcare accessibility through India’s first Ai-enabled stethoscope, AiSteth. This investment is part of a larger $1.5M funding, including co-investment from notable investors Rainmatter by Zerodha, The Chennai Angels, BITS BioCyTiH Foundation along with other angel investors. This crucial funding will empower Ai Health Highway to solidify its presence in India, accelerate regulatory approvals internationally, and broaden its AI/ML offerings in the Cardio-Respiratory domain.

AiSteth, India’s first AI-enabled stethoscope, is revolutionizing cardiac care by assisting healthcare professionals and non-specialists in interpreting heart sounds to support accurate clinical decisions. Utilizing advanced AI and signal processing, AiSteth transforms traditional stethoscopes into powerful screening tools capable of detecting life-threatening cardiac disorders at an early stage.

The AI-enabled stethoscope seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, equipping primary care providers with high-quality heart sound capture, analysis, and data-sharing capabilities, thereby enhancing the accessibility and affordability of healthcare solutions.

Founded in 2018, Ai Health Highway is on a mission to reduce global premature deaths due to NCDs by 30% by 2030. NCDs account for over 41 million deaths annually, highlighting the need for early detection and intervention.

Venkat Raju, Founder and CEO of Turbostart, stated, “We are thrilled to support Ai Health Highway and its exceptional founding team, who bring together a powerful blend of medical expertise, business acumen, and technological innovation. Their work goes beyond upgrading the stethoscope – they’re reimagining screening tools to make healthcare more accessible in the modern age. Their smart stethoscope technology has the potential to bring quality screenings to underserved communities, democratizing access to early detection. We are excited to see how they will transform healthcare accessibility, creating meaningful impact in an industry where change is not just welcome, but necessary.”

Dr (Maj) Satish S Jeevannavar, Founder, AI Health Highway, said, “We are delighted to announce Turbostart as the Lead Investor for our Pre-Series A round, joined by co-investors Rainmatter by Zerodha and BITS BioCyTiH Foundation. Our existing investors, The Chennai Angels, along with other angel investors, have also participated in this round. We are thrilled to collaborate with Turbostart on this vital mission to tackle NCDs. The expertise of their seasoned professionals and Centers of Excellence will be invaluable as we navigate the complex global healthcare landscape.”

In addition to this investment, Turbostart has a proven track record of supporting tech-first startups across various sectors. Over the past five years, Turbostart has facilitated investments of more than USD 50 million across more than 50 innovative startups. This commitment highlights Turbostart’s continued dedication to supporting the growth and development of the startup ecosystem, providing personalized mentorship, access to five centers of excellence, and a vast network spanning India, the US, MEA, and Singapore to support the development of thriving enterprises.

Shailaja Teacher: AMR Recognized as Global Health Security Threat by WHO, CDC, and UN

Hyderabad, October 03, 2024-The three-day G-SPARC 2024, Global South Conference on Infection Prevention, Control, and Antimicrobial Stewardship began on Thursday morning at Shilpakalavedika in Madhapur in the city.

Speaking on the Management of outbreaks and health crises- a politician’s perspective, Ms. Shailaja Teacher, Former Health Minister of Kerala said Infection Prevention and Control, AMR (Anti Microbial Resistance) are global issues. AMR is a silent pandemic she said. AMR is recognized as a global health security threat by WHO (World Health Organisation), CDC(Centre for Disease Control), and UN(United Nations). UN addressed AMR as early as 2016. She gave insights into the preparedness before COVID spread and how proactive measures about AMR, its ‘ policy were taken in Kerala, etc and the introduction of the AMR action plan, the first time India proved to be very effective.

Speaking further she said we need one health approach to address AMR. The estimated global cost it is $ 1000 trillion by 2050.

Kerala became the first state in India to release a sub-national Actional Plan called KARSAP in 2018 and it is conceptualized and implemented on a One Health Platform. We launched the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign in 2019 to make all citizens of Kerala aware of the judicious use of antibiotics in all sectors. We have also launched an AI-based Antibiogram App, she said.

Participating in a panel discussion on the Leadership role in IPC & AMS policy and practices, Dr. Evita Fernandez- Chair of the Fernandez Foundation said nurses are true custodians of the patients. However, they are scared to raise issues when the patient’s health is compromised. When anyone including doctors touches the patient, they need to be sanitized well. Nurses must get their respect. They are not subordinates to doctors. They are our colleagues. Nurses play a big role in stopping infections spread to patients. Doctors must change their attitudes towards nurses and give mutual respect, she added.

Dr Anuj Sharma of the WHO Country Office of India said for an effective AMR plan and its implementation we need a state government’s concurrence on IPC (Infection, Prevention, and Control) and AMR

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr.Hari Prasad-Chaiman – CARE Group of hospitals

The panelists were Dr. Evita Fernandez- Chair, Fernandez Foundation Dr.Gurunath Reddy-Chairman – Continental Hospital; Dr.Vincy Tribhuvan -VP- Of nursing, CARE Group; Dr. Giridhar Gyani -DG- AHPI; Dr. Kashipa Harit- Deputy Director NABH; Dr. Anuj Sharma-Team Focal Point – AMR | IPC, World Health Organization, Country O ce for India

Earlier the meeting began with a session on Understanding the science of complexity and its applications in IPC by Prof. Dr. Vijay V.Yeldandi, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.

Another session by Dr Annie Thakore, CEO, of Pranaam Hospital Enhancing Infection Control Practices in Hospital Settings followed it.

A panel discussion on the Role of Environmental surveillance in mitigating infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance was held. The Panelists were Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute of Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru and Principal Investigator, Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance Innovations (APSI)-India; Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad and Principal Investigator, APSI-India; Dr. Aruna Panda, Program Director, APSI-India, CCMB, Hyderabad; Dr. Shivranjani C. Moharir, Senior Scientist, TIGS; Dr. Mahesh Dharne, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

Some of the prominent speakers who participated in the conference include Dr Anuj Sharma, WHO India Office; Prof Chedly Azzouz, Chairperson, Infection Control Africa Network; Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, DGHS & Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Ms Shailaja Teacher, MLA and Former-Health Minister, Govt of Kerala

The objective of the conference is to provide a platform for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Patient Safety stakeholders from Global South (resource-limited countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America) to collaborate for better policies, research, tailored solutions and practices on IPC, AMS and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and pandemic preparedness.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav Advocates Ayush: Vision for Accessible Healthcare and Global Recognition

New Delhi, October 3, 2024 – The Ayush Medical Value Travel Summit 2024, themed ‘Global Synergy in Ayush: Transforming Health and Wellness through Medical Value Travel,’ is set to position India as the premier global hub for holistic healthcare based on Ayush systems. This landmark event is organized by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of Maharashtra, and key partners at Hotel Sofitel, BKC, Mumbai.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Union Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, inaugurated the summit as the chief guest. In his address, he said, “At the Ayush MVT Summit, we celebrate India’s natural beauty and its holistic healthcare offerings—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—attracting thousands of international tourists annually. Our focus on comprehensive health encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, making India a global leader in health tourism. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ayush has gained global recognition. He is now vital to India’s healthcare system, including integration into AIIMS and defence hospitals. With the G-20 presidency, we have positioned Ayush globally, integrating these practices into various healthcare systems and institutions nationwide.”

Hon’ble Ayush Minister added, “People are interested in experiencing authentic Ayush services, but many times it is observed that either they are unaware or don’t have access to these services. Events like this create bridges, bringing the healing power of traditional wellness within reach for all.”

Additionally, he mentioned his conversation with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, in which he proposed establishing a Ministry of Ayush in Maharashtra and an Ayush University.

In his keynote presentation, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, stated, “The global reach of Ayush has significantly expanded, with exports witnessing substantial growth. The size of the sector has increased dramatically. I would like to inform you that RIES (Research in Information Systems), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of External Affairs dedicated to research in development economics, has conducted a study on the Forum for Indian Traditional Medicine (FITM). According to their analysis, which compared data from 2014 to 2020 and was reported in 2021, the size of the Ayush sector grew from $3 million in 2014 to $18.1 million in 2020—an increase of sixfold within six years. Furthermore, projections for 2023 estimate that this size will reach $24 million, representing almost an eightfold increase since 2014.”

Shri Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, said in his welcome address, “We are thrilled to welcome 650 participants to the Ayush Medical Value and Wellness Travel Summit. The Ministry of Ayush has signed an MOU with the Ministry of Tourism to enhance Ayush and medical value travel, with support from the Indian Tourism Development Corporation. State governments must collaborate with their tourism departments to promote Ayurvedic wellness travel and ancient sites of significance. As the number of foreign travellers seeking Ayush treatments grows, it’s vital for all stakeholders—tour operators, insurance providers, and hospitality leaders—to unite and leverage government initiatives to boost this essential sector.”

“The state Ayush departments should collaborate with state health departments to promote archaeological sites of Ayurveda and yoga thus increasing Ayush based medical tourism.”, added Dr. Nesari.

Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Shri Devendra Triguna, President of the All India Ayurvedic Congress, spoke passionately about his commitment to promoting Ayurveda. His dedication has led to the establishment of numerous institutes, including the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), the All India Institute of Ayurveda, and the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth. Vaidya Triguna’s efforts have significantly extended the reach of Ayurveda, impacting over 80 countries worldwide and establishing him as a torchbearer for the Ayush sector.

Dr. Raman Ghungralekar, Director, Directorate of Ayush, Government of Maharashtra, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The summit aims to strengthen India’s position in Medical Value Travel (MVT) by integrating traditional Indian systems of medicine—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (Ayush)—with modern healthcare systems. Other distinguished guests included Health, Ayush, and Tourism officials from the Governments of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Key Event Highlights:
•     The inaugural summit featured an Interactive Session with Foreign Missions in India, with high-level discussions on government initiatives and policies to promote Medical Value Travel and empower Ayush service providers.
•     Presentations by central and State Governments and an interactive session with foreign missions in India explored regulatory frameworks, insurance coverage, and international patient services. Speakers included Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor (Ayu), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and Dr. Rajeev D Nivatkar, Commissioner, Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Government of Maharashtra.
•     Session II: Success Stories and Expanding Opportunities in Ayush & Medical Value Travel: Insights from prominent wellness centres and hospitals attracting international patients. Speakers included Mr Joy Kumar Singh, CMO, Atmaneem Nature Cure, Gujarat; Mr Nikhil Kapur, Co-Founder of Atmantan Wellness Centre, Pune; and Ms Natalie Grant Nanda, Director of Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune.
•     Panel Discussions: Featuring top leaders from the Ayush sector, including Dr Rohit Madhav Sane, MD & Founder of Madhavbaug Wellness, Mumbai, and Dr Saurabh B. Dave, Chairman of Dhanvantari Super Speciality Ayurveda, exploring challenges and opportunities for global collaborations in Ayush-based wellness services.
•     The event also showcased an exhibition of Ayush manufacturers and service providers.

In rural India, awareness about Ayush varies from 87% to 99% for all states and UTs except for Arunachal Pradesh (77%), while in Urban India, the awareness is more than 86% across all states and UTs. Ayurveda is the most commonly used system (>86%) of Ayush across India. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued new guidelines on April 1, 2024, requiring health insurance companies to offer AYUSH treatments at par with other treatments. So far about 49 life insurance companies are providing about 69 packages.

The summit provided a unique platform for stakeholders, including government officials, wellness centres, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and industry leaders, to discuss the future of Ayush-based healthcare and Medical Value Travel. Participants gained insights into regulatory provisions, opportunities in international markets, and initiatives driving Ayush’s global growth.

In conclusion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said, “Ayush is tackling health issues like diabetes and liver diseases with evidence-based treatments, aiming for accessibility for all. We urge the government to provide free Ayush treatment for all employees and are committed to establishing affordable Ayush centres at block and tehsil levels. On October 9, we will inaugurate our first Ayush Jan Aushadhi Center to integrate traditional practices into healthcare. The nationwide ‘Women’s Health Check’ initiative will promote health awareness through Ayurveda. The first Medical Value Travel Summit 2024 in Mumbai will be followed by events in Bhubaneswar and a grand finale in Delhi, targeting one crore households with ‘Desh ka Prakrutik Parikshan – Ghar Ghar tak Ayurved on the occasion of Ayurveda Day.”

With support from FICCI, Invest India, ITDC, Ayushexcil, FHRAI and SEPC, the summit featured discussions on key government initiatives, industry insights, and successful case studies in medical value travel. India ranks 10th globally in the Medical Tourism Index, and its top wellness tourism destinations underscore the nation’s potential to attract international patients seeking integrated and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

ICICI Lombard’s 7th Annual Wellness Index Reveals Alarming Heart Health Awareness Gap Among Indian Youth

New Delhi, 1st October, 2024 – ICICI Lombard General Insurance, India’s leading private general insurer, today unveiled the 7th edition of its India Wellness Index 2024, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the nation’s health and well-being. This latest study reveals a concerning trend where, despite 89% claiming awareness of heart disease symptoms, only 25% Indians can accurately identify the true symptoms of heart condition. This comprehensive report highlights the growing influence of digital health technologies and the evolving dynamics of wellness across different demographic groups.

ICICI Lombard’s wellness index is based on a holistic framework comprising six pillars of well-being: Physical, Mental, Family, Financial, Workplace, and Social. The extensive survey covered a diverse group of respondents, comprising 69% males and 31% females, aged 18 to 50 years, from NCCS A and B categories. The study spanned 19 cities across India, ensuring a comprehensive representation of urban India’s wellness landscape.

The report emphasizes the crucial link between heart health and the six pillars of wellness. Physical wellness, the most significant factor at 58% of overall wellness, plays a vital role in cardiovascular health through proper exercise and diet. Mental wellness, contributing 18% to overall well-being, impacts heart health via stress management. The remaining pillars – financial, social, family, and workplace wellness – all contribute to heart health by influencing lifestyle choices, providing emotional support, and mitigating stress factors.

Talking about the report, Sheena Kapoor, Head – Marketing, Corporate Communications & CSR at ICICI Lombard, said, “Our 2024 Wellness Index uncovers critical insights into India’s health landscape. The challenges faced by Millennials in physical health, family dynamics, and financial stability have led to a 3-Point decline in their overall wellness index. The alarming gap in heart health awareness combined with rising stress levels especially among our youth underscore the urgent need for more effective health education. The adoption of health tech offers promising solutions, while corporate wellness challenges demand targeted initiatives. As we mark World Heart Day, these insights along with comprehensive heart health education have brought to fore the need for innovative insurance solutions for health and mental wellbeing. At ICICI Lombard we’re committed to leveraging these findings to develop programs that bridge awareness gaps, promote heart health, and foster overall well-being across generations.”

Prostate Cancer: Treatment and Precautions

Dr. Ankit Goel, Head of the Department – Urology, Andrology & Uro-Oncology at MASSH Hospitals, Delhi

Prostate cancer cases are on the rise in India, becoming one of the top ten leading cancers in the country. This increasing trend is particularly concerning, as it is not confined to older men; cases are increasingly reported among men in their 40s and 50s. A recent study by The Lancet projects that the number of prostate cancer cases in India will double by 2040. Prostate cancer can often be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, some common symptoms to watch out for include difficulty in urinating, blood in urine or semen, pelvic pain.

Innovative Imaging Techniques

For men with recurrent prostate cancer, new imaging techniques like PSMA-PET scans are proving invaluable. These scans utilize a protein, PSMA, which is abundant in prostate cells, to identify even the smallest cancerous deposits. The FDA has approved two compounds for use in PSMA-PET imaging, helping doctors detect and treat cancer more effectively at earlier stages.

Emerging Treatments for Prostate Cancer

Treatment options for prostate cancer continue to evolve. Hormone therapy has seen significant advancements, with new drugs like enzalutamide (Xtandi) and abiraterone (Zytiga) improving outcomes for men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Additionally, PARP inhibitors and immunotherapy are showing promise, particularly for cancers with specific genetic characteristics.

Precautions

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve outcomes, men should prioritize regular screenings, especially those over 50 or with a family history of the disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can lower risk factors. High-risk individuals should discuss advanced imaging and biopsy techniques with their healthcare providers to ensure accurate detection and avoid overtreatment. Regular follow-ups and proactive management of side effects are crucial for those undergoing or post-treatment, helping maintain quality of life and detect any recurrence early.

Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre receives NABH Accreditation

Bengaluru,1st October , 2024: Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bengaluru, has been accredited with the prestigious National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) for meeting the highest form of patient safety and healthcare standards.

As a result, the organization has become the first IVF centre in Bengaluru to receive complete NABH accreditation. It is a hallmark of excellence, granted to hospitals that meet rigorous criteria in key areas.

The assessment involved a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure that the hospital met established standards for quality and safety. The NABH accreditation is considered the gold standard for quality and patient safety in the healthcare sector.

Kinder has undergone a comprehensive evaluation process that covered patient safety, quality of care, operational efficiency, healthcare practices, infrastructure and continuous improvement.

“Our hospital’s accreditation is a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of our entire team in maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and service for every individual we serve.” said Shreevalli V- COO, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bengaluru.

NABH accreditation assures patients and their families that they are receiving care in a hospital that meets globally recognized standards. It also emphasizes the hospital’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and patient satisfaction.

Kinder Hospitals offers a wide range of medical services, including Reproductive Medicine, Fetal medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics including Neonatology, Anesthesiology, General Medicine, General Surgery including Laparoscopic surgery, Dental Services, Dermatology and Venereology, Psychiatry, Endocrinology and is committed to enhancing the patient experience through innovation, compassion, and cutting-edge technology.

Sangeetha Sringeri Launches Heart-athon at Sakra World Hospital for World Heart Day

Bengaluru,1st October , 2024: In a bid to promote heart health and raise awareness about the importance of physical activity, actress Ms. Sangeetha Sringeri, the Chief Guest, flagged off the Heart-athon event on World Heart Day. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Yuichi Nagano, Managing Director; Mr. Naoya Matsumi, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Lovekesh Phasu, Group Coordinating Officer; and Dr. Sreekanth Shetty, Director & HOD of the Department of Cardiology; Dr. Ashok Kumar, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist & Heart Failure Specialist and Mr. P.J. Gurupradha Poonja, Associate Vice President at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. Themed “Let Each Step Mark Your Pledge for a Healthy Heart,” the event brought together a vibrant display of community spirit, all committed to taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Heart disease remains one of the leading non-communicable diseases globally, and India is no exception. With the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles, stress, and lack of physical activity, heart-related ailments are on the rise. A recent report by “The Lancet” revealed that 49.4% of Indian adults do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, a worrying statistic projected to increase to 59.9% by 2030 if current trends continue. The Heart-athon, therefore, served as a vital initiative to encourage Bengalureans to step out of their homes and unite in promoting and pledging to adopt healthier lifestyles through regular exercise, balanced diets, and adequate sleep—all essential factors for maintaining a healthy heart.

“Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease and stroke, reducing the risk by up to 19%. Despite these benefits, many Indians continue to lead inactive lives, missing an opportunity to improve overall well-being,” said Dr. Sreekanth Shetty, Director & HOD – Department of Cardiology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

“Walking is a simple yet impactful way to promote heart health. This walkathon represents more than just a one-time event—it’s a pledge to prioritize cardiovascular well-being. Staying physically active is key to maintaining both heart and mental health,” shared Dr. Adil Sadiq, Director and Head of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

“This campaign underscores the critical need to focus on preventive healthcare. By creating such platforms, we hope to inspire a change in mindset towards exercise and healthy living,” said Mr. Lovekesh Phasu, Group Coordinating Officer, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

“Sakra World Hospital remains committed to driving such proactive awareness campaigns that align with its mission of promoting a healthier society,” shared Mr. Yuichi Nagano, Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

“Sakra World Hospital stands at the forefront of heart health awareness, reminding us that each step we take brings us closer to a healthier future,” said Mr. Naoya Matsumi, Deputy Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.

Heart-to-Heart Summit: Trends in Cardiovascular Health and Proactive Management

Bengaluru, 1 October 2024: Health and wellness knowledge enterprise, Happiest Health hosted the Heart-to-Heart 2024 summit, presenting numerous discussions and hands-on sessions on prioritising cardiac care and raising awareness. The day-long event addressed concerns over cardiovascular health, offered in-depth health tips, and introduced attendees to vital trends and tools in the field. The summit provided a platform to leading experts who provided a comprehensive understanding of heart health by offering insight into diet, lifestyle, women’s health, exercises for a healthy heart, and more. The event held at NIMHANS Convention Centre was graced by the Honourable Minister For Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Karnataka, Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, besides several doctors, specialists, and health enthusiasts. The summit witnessed over 500+ attendees.

As heart disease remains a leading global crisis, Heart-to-Heart 2024 sought to empower all participants with the correct idea about holistic cardiac health. The summit equipped individuals with the knowledge needed to keep cardiac issues at bay, touching on proactive measures that could save lives. Attendees were also able to network with leading cardiologists, familiarise themselves with the latest advances, and receive CPR training. The day concluded with a stand-up performance.

Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Honourable Minister For Health & Family Welfare, Govt Of Karnataka, spoke on the need for preventive care and the government’s initiatives in screening people for early detection. The minister said, “Under the ‘Puneet Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti’ scheme, we’ve connected 82 hospitals with a centre in Bangalore. People who come in complaining of issues in the chest get ECGs done, each of which is connected to the Bangalore centre. AI reads the ECG and points out discrepancies, which are referred to a doctor. We’ve been able to save about 75 people through this intervention, helping to get them emergency care on time. With the usage of technology, we’re trying to address problems by preventing and detecting them in advance.”

Mr Anindya Chowdhury, CEO of Happiest Health – Knowledge and Diagnostics, said, “Heart-to-Heart was conceived to create frank, engaging conversations with people and provide them with correct knowledge. There’s plenty of conflicting information regarding the heart, which can be overwhelming and confusing. We’ve sought to cut through that and connect people with just the essentials needed to look after themselves. We’re thankful to the community of experts and individuals that’s come together to make this happen.”

Dr Vivek Jawali, Chairman – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Council, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, India & Cardiac Sciences and The Executive Council, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru, delivered the keynote address, speaking on heart attacks in young Indians. He said, “the keynote address on ‘Young and Indian: Vulnerability to Heart Attacks. How To Prevent It.’ The session discussed cardiac risk factors influenced by genetics, salt intake, obesity, and more.

Dr Vivek spoke on the dangers of smoking on the heart, saying, “Smoking one puff or two–three full packs is the same. It absolutely accelerates the heart rate and the speed of heart diseases. It will reduce the good cholesterol, increase the bad cholesterol and triglycerides, increase BP by vasoconstriction, and ensure your response to hypertension medication is blunted. You’re either a smoker or a non-smoker—there is no in-between.”

A panel discussion, ‘Diet for the Heart’, featured Dr Ranjan Shetty, HOD & consultant – interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, HOD – interventional cardiology, Kauvery Hospital, Bengaluru, and Dr Manjunath N K, vice chancellor, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) Bengaluru. The session focussed on diet practices that can help protect the heart from disease and stress.

Another panel discussion titled Her Heart Matters involved Dr Alben Sigamani, founding partner and chief scientific officer of Numen Health, Dr K S Ravindranath, director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICR), and Dr Anupama V Hegde, a cardiologist at Ramaiah Memorial hospital, Bengaluru. The panel shed light on topics around women’s cardiac welfare

Heart-to-Heart 2024 and other similar events by Happiest Health seek to create a community of health-conscious individuals who can learn from each other. Shared experiences over health can empower people and change how they view their wellness. Happiest Health will continue to advance this community through its deep expertise and holistic approach to healthcare.