Cardio Medithon 3: A Crucial Initiative for Heart Health in India
Cardiology, the medical specialty dedicated to the heart and blood vessels, examines how this vital organ functions, identifies disorders, and develops treatments and preventive measures. In India, heart disease has escalated from a rare condition primarily affecting the elderly to a leading cause of mortality, impacting individuals across both urban centers and rural areas.
The Healthcare Landscape: Challenges Beyond Numbers
India boasts a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:834, which surpasses the World Health Organization's recommendation of 1:1000. However, this statistic masks deeper issues. Access to high-quality care, exorbitant treatment costs, insufficient medical facilities in smaller towns, and widespread lack of awareness frequently lead to delayed diagnoses. Many families only recognize heart disease during emergencies, exacerbating emotional distress and financial burdens.
Medithon's Mission: Connecting Experts and the Public
To combat this growing disparity, The Times of India is reintroducing Medithon with a specialized cardiology edition titled "Amazing Heart, Amazing Life", scheduled for February 28. This event aims to bridge the gap between medical professionals and the general population, translating complex cardiac science into actionable knowledge. In a nation where many rely on informal advice or last-minute emergency interventions, such platforms are essential. Providing reliable information can alleviate panic, debunk myths, and promote timely health check-ups. When specialists communicate in accessible language, the fear surrounding heart disease diminishes.
Expert Panels Addressing Critical Topics
Cardio Medithon 3 assembles top heart specialists to discuss key areas:
Beyond the Obvious: Women's Heart Health
Heart disease in women often remains undetected due to subtle symptoms like fatigue, mild breathlessness, or jaw discomfort, which are frequently mistaken for stress. This session, starting at 11 AM, features:
- Dr Shibba Takkar Chhabra, Professor at Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, and Director of WINCARS Association
- Dr Zakia Khan, Head of Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, Mumbai
The discussion will highlight gender-specific risk factors, hormonal influences, and the underdiagnosis of women, moving beyond textbook symptoms to real-world warning signs.
Recovering After a Heart Attack
Surviving a heart attack is merely the initial phase; recovery is a prolonged, individualized process. Patients often experience physical stability but emotional anxiety, with fears of recurrence persisting. This panel, beginning at 12 PM, includes:
- Dr (Prof.) C.M. Nagesh, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Founder of Cardea Superspeciality Hospital, Bengaluru
- Dr Tahsin Neduvanchery, Senior Consultant at Aster MIMS Hospital, Kottakkal, Kerala
Focus areas encompass rehabilitation, lifestyle adjustments, medication adherence, and realistic timelines for resuming normal activities, emphasizing confidence and routine rebuilding.
Young Hearts at Risk: Gen Z and Generation Alpha
Heart disease is increasingly affecting younger demographics due to sedentary behaviors, processed diets, elevated stress, and screen-dominated lifestyles. Experts in this session are:
- Dr P. B. Jayagopal, Director and Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Lakshmi Hospital, Palakkad, Kerala
- Dr Sarat Chandra, Chairman of Jayanthi Superspeciality Hospital, Hyderabad, and former President of the Cardiological Society of India
- Dr Anil Mishra, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata
The conversation will explore early indicators, genetic predispositions, obesity trends, and preventive screenings for youth, stressing that prevention must start early, not in middle age.
Prevention First: The Most Powerful Treatment
Prevention stands as the most effective strategy against heart disease, with daily habits shaping long-term outcomes. This final panel features:
- Dr Dhiman Kahali, Director of Interventional Cardiology at B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata
- Dr Bagirath Raghuraman, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore
- Dr Rajiv D Karnik, Interventional Cardiologist at Fortis Hospital and Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai
The session will address early screenings, blood pressure management, diabetes control, and timely medical consultations, underscoring that consistent awareness and action, not drastic changes, are key.
Amazing Heart, Amazing Life: A Call to Action
A healthy heart enables a smooth life, while cardiac issues disrupt every aspect of living. India's healthcare system is evolving, but awareness must accelerate. Events like Medithon foster honest, practical dialogues, reminding us that heart disease often begins silently years before reaching critical stages.
