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Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Rakesh Roshan says carotid arteries were blocked 75%; Do we need a heart CT and ultrasound? AIIMS cardiologist explains what you really need
Actor and filmmaker Rakesh Roshan has asked everybody to go for preventive health check-ups and screenings after his routine full-body health checkup showed that over 75 per cent of both his carotid arteries were blocked. He had no symptoms. In his post, he wrote, 'This week has been truly eye-opening. During a routine full-body health check-up, the doctor conducting the sonography for the heart suggested I also do one for the neck. By chance, we found out that although asymptomatic, both my carotid arteries to the brain were above 75 percent blocked. Which, if ignored, could be potentially dangerous.' He got preventive procedures done and wrote, 'A heart CT and a carotid brain artery sonography (which is often ignored completely) is a must for everyone above 45-50 years old.' Carotid arteries are two major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, face and neck. Each carotid artery branches into two major arteries: the internal carotid artery, which supplies the brain, and the external carotid artery, which supplies the face and neck area. So if there is plaque deposition and blockages in these blood vessels, these can stop blood supply to the brain and lead to a stroke. 'We never recommend CT angiogram as it is not required,' says Dr Sandeep Seth, professor of cardiology, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. 'When it comes to big vascular structures like arteries, we go by risk factors which by and large exist in any Indian male above 40 given their genetic predisposition. So that is why we look at controlling all the risk factors from a younger age, be it diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and even Vitamin D deficiency,' he says. Vitamin D is needed for calcium regulation, inflammation and blood pressure control. Low vitamin D can impact calcium levels, thereby affecting heart muscle contraction and triggering irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia. 'The other most important factor we consider is family history. If a person has this risk, or has high BP, high cholesterol, smoking and sedentary lifestyle, then we do a CT calcium score for this high risk group. If the calcium score is high, it means a plaque buildup. Then we put the patient on cholesterol-lowering drugs,' says Dr Seth. 'If the patient has a family history, then we check the carotid artery, more specifically the carotid intima, which is the innermost layer of the carotid artery, composed of a single layer of endothelial cells. We measure the thickness of this inner layer or intima to assess cardiovascular disease risk. This can be done with a simple ultrasound test, which is not too expensive,' says Dr Seth. This ultrasound helps detect early signs of plaque buildup in the carotid arteries and can be an early warning sign of potential heart problems, even before symptoms appear. According to Dr Nishith Chandra, Principal Director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, 'sudden dizziness, headache, blurry vision and loss of balance are signs of blockage.' Procedures like carotid endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque) or angioplasty with stenting can improve blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke. 'This can be done by the cardiologist along with a neuro-interventionist,' says Dr Chandra. The only preventive measure is a determined lifestyle change and regular checkups for markers of blood sugar, cholesterol, blood parameters and keeping your weight in check.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Matters newsletter: Hey, what's in the samosa?
On the government's attempt to promote moderation in food and curb obesity, latest developments in medical research, keeping the brain healthy, the dark secrets of a pharma major, and more The biggest news this past week was one that appealed directly to our taste buds. To first, shock, and then, to question choices and portions. How much oil, sugar, and transfats are present in your regular evening samosa, pakora, chai biscuit, or jalebi? The hullabaloo started after the Health Ministry asked all government departments to display such information in their cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms, in a bid to highlight the health risks of popular Indian snacks. Here, Bindu Shajan Perappadan reports on the announcement. 'We are proposing a display of Sugar and Oil Boards initiative to promote healthier dietary habits in various settings. These boards serve as visual behavioural nudges in schools, offices, public institutions etc. displaying key information about hidden fats and sugars in everyday foods,' Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said in the letter. The campaign is being rolled out first in Nagpur, where the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will serve as the pilot location for the initiative. The calorie count poster will be pasted beside popular food stalls with clear information about sugar, fat, and transfat content. It will outline long-term health risks from frequent consumption. These warnings are designed to be direct and create awareness. The goal is to promote moderation, not restriction. Apart from the boards, the Health Ministry has also requested that all official stationery -- letterheads, envelopes, notepads, folders, etc -- and all publications print health messages as daily reminders to reinforce the fight against obesity. The move comes just weeks after CBSE instructed its over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to establish 'sugar boards', where information is displayed for educating students about the risks of excessive sugar intake. Further, for more details on what this means for all of us, read her explainer here: What is the directive on sugar, salt labelling? On the same subject, The Hindu's edit says the move to curb unhealthy food intake, is More than symbolic. Siddharth Kumar Singh followed this up with a story from Hyderabad, Samosa to get a reality check with government order on sugar and fat boards at offices. Do you know how much oil is required to make 400 samosas in two days? He quotes the vendor of a stall in Hyderabad: 'We use about five litres of oil to make 400 samosas in two days. Once all that oil is soaked up, we start with a fresh batch,' said the vendor. A back of the envelope calculation shows each samosa will have 11.3 gm oil.' However, at the shop there is no mention of nutritional content, sugar, or fat, only the irresistible aroma of deep-fried indulgence. Once you learn this, will you limit your consumption to one triangular fold of potato and masala? The government is hoping you will do so. Staying on the nutrition plank, here. Are you one of those people that get their information on what to eat from social media? Then this story by Nabeela Khan will make essential reading. She tells us how to access accurate nutritional information. Social media thrives on black-and-white thinking. Nutrition science is all about context, dose, and individuality. Genetics, the gut microbiome, lifestyle, stress levels, and cultural background all determine what works for you, she says. Do read the story to learn how to filter nutrition advice on your social media, and pick what is best for you. We, at the health desk, believe in celebrating innovation in health care. Every such innovation has the potential to bring massive change in society, to alleviate pain and suffering, and restore quality of life. In this context, last week provided a bonanza for us. Firstly, let's begin with something very simple, but revolutionary in rethinking what's been happening to women for about 180 years. Researchers redesign vaginal speculum to ease fear and pain. Finally someone thought about replacing the cold, hard, metallic and commonly-used vaginal speculum for essential gynaecological examinations, and almost always associated with pain. Tamara Hoveling and Ariadna Izcara Gual of Delft University, The Netherlands came up with a prototype called the Lilium -- named after the lily flower. Like the more familiar tampon, it has soft plastic and an applicator. 'It's designed with the patient in mind rather than the doctor,' the duo said. Yay to that, from anyone who ever had to undergo a painful gynaec exam. Anirban Mukhopadhyay writes about how Lab-grown cells help restore insulin in people with type 1 diabetes . A small clinical trial, reported in The New England Journal of Medicine in June, tested a therapy called zimislecel: stem cell-derived islet cells infused into the liver. In 12 people with severe, long-standing type 1 diabetes, these cells began producing insulin again, improving blood sugar control and preventing dangerous lows. Excitingly enough, Eight healthy babies born from three people's DNA in Britain free of genetic disease. Researchers report that eight healthy babies were born with the help of an experimental technique that uses DNA from three people to help mothers avoid passing rare diseases to their children. And then, there was eugenics. More understanding of a disease that continues to fox us: Alzheimer's. A recent Study identified four distinct clusters of symptoms that can possibly advance to Alzheimer's including psychiatric and cardiovascular. In our own neck of the woods, IIT Madras last week, unveiled a new 8.5-kg wheelchair that enables independence. The device has a single frame made of aerospace-grade material. It can be fully customised and is available in sizes from 13 inches to 18 inches. So, what is so special about it? It is monoframe, minimalistic design, on which you can slap 120 kg. Imagine being able to assemble and pull apart a wheelchair you can then pack in several parts into your car. Do remember to watch the demo video built into the article. Abhinay Deshpande writes about Gujarat launching India's first tribal genome project to tackle inherited diseases. The Tribal Genome Sequencing Project is an initiative by the government to sequence the genomes of 2,000 people belonging to tribal communities across 17 districts in the State is probably a prototype for other States to follow. V. Geetanath writes of the AIC-CCMB planning trials for Chikungunya vaccine with indigenously developed mRNA technology while C. Maya reports on the Cy-TB test introduced by Kerala government to detect and treat latent tuberculosis infections. Both indicate India's growing prowess in healthcare research and also the need to innovate with local solutions for local issues. The importance of vaccination cannot be understated, and here is a study that establishes that Global vaccine reserves helped avert 5.8 million infections, over 300,000 deaths since 2000. With routine vaccination declining and also impacted by cuts to the US' foreign aid, the study also highlights the ongoing need for an insurance policy against major outbreaks of diseases like cholera, Ebola and measles. The WHO-UNICEF said South Asia had achieved record immunization coverage; with India, Nepal leading progress. However, the situation is still desperate, as despite this progress, the UN says 14 million children did not receive a single vaccine in 2024. It is so important to receive the protection conferred by vaccines, particularly because infectious diseases are still amidst us. Even diseases long believed to be dormant are raising their heads again. For instance, Afshan Yasmeen reported on a study that showed Scrub typhus has now become the most common infectious cause of acute encephalitis syndrome in southern India. Is the mind unique from the brain? The truth is that while these are distinct entities, one a physical processing organ, and the other influenced by subjective experience; there are areas that are distinctly in the intersection between the two. With World Brain Day being observed on July 22, there were quite a few articles pegged at that intersection. Dr. N. Diwakar Goutham writes on Empowering India's youth by supporting their mental health while S. Sabu brought to our attention The mental health of pilots following the Air India crash in Ahmedabad recently. Meanwhile Dr. Boopesh Pugazhendi piece examines how Brain health requires lifelong attention and preventive care, and Sheetal Potdar looks at how Mental fatigue can trick the brain into taking the easy way out. Dr. Karthik Kulanthaivelu looks at How interventional radiology offers scar-free precision treatment for strokes and beyond. Can we ever afford to ignore the country's non communicable diseases burden and the kind of impact it will have on individual and the national health? There's just one answer to that: No. Athira Elssa Johnson reports on this study that is likely to delight many of us: a simple two-minute walk can help both prevent hypertension and detect it early. Eminently more doable than hours at the gym, and we are none the worse for trying. She also quotes experts to say Disabilities arising from diabetes are under-recognised in India , making it a huge area of concern, given the large number of people living with diabetes in the country. Peripheral neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy are the most common diabetes-related complications, alongside cardiovascular dysfunction and autonomic nerve damage, and are areas that need to be addressed. Dr. S. Sadhanandham focuses on explaining why dyslipidemia is the next big public health challenge in India, while Latha A. Kumaraswami writes on an expected meeting she had with the Pope and how that became a strike for kidney health. In our explainers series, this past week, we had a bunch across a variety of disciplines. Early diagnosis, simple lifestyle changes can prevent GERD complications: experts Dr. Karthik Madesh Ratnavelu focusses on snoring. He says, it isn't always harmless: sleep apnoea is the epidemic we're not talking about. Following this news: Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling , our All You Need to Know About series explains chronic venous insufficiency. Dr. E. Prabhu and Dr. M.S. Senthil Kumar provide a primer on the story of nuclear medicine and its role in treating thyroid diseases. The next in a fine series of explainers on anaesthesia that we have carried in recent weeks, Dr. Subramanyam Mahankali talks about Anaesthesia in the digital age: from mysterious sleep to intelligent, personalised care. Gayatri Saberwal on how Rare diseases have a lot to gain from greater awareness For our tailpiece of the week, we pick this Interview with Gardiner Harris, author of The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson, simply because of the sheer audacity of what Harris does in the book. Page by page and chapter by chapter, he uncovers the dark, and shocking secrets behind how pharma major J&J works. Having grown up in a J&J town, Harris moves on, as a pharma correspondent, to question every known value that the company provided, and thereon, spurred by a personal experience, takes on the burden of unmasking. He provides evidence for willful neglect of side effects, influencing regulatory agencies, and unethical promotion of products. There is also a video embedded, in case you want to listen to the author himself, but you could also pick up the book for yourself. If you have a few extra moments, do take time out to read further: Dr. Dinesh Arab At Tour de France, non-fictional 'supermen' test the limits of human endurance Zubeda Hamid Science Quiz: On zoonotic diseases Ashna Butani Thalassemia patients call for standardised tests to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections ICMR seeks collaboration for malaria vaccine production through tech transfer US may revise hormone replacement therapy warnings For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
India.com
22-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns: Who will be the next Vice President of India? How will the new VP be elected? Complete election process here
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar Resigns from his post New Delhi: In an unexpected move, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Monday evening resigned from his post citing health issues. In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, he said his resignation will be effective immediately — 'to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance wills Article 67(a) of the constitution,' his letter read. In March, Dhankhar was admitted at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences following 'cardiac-related ailments'. Last month, he had fainted while attending the Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Kumaon University. Jagdeep Dhankar Resigns: In his letter, he thanked the President 'for her unwavering support and the soothing wonderful working relationship we maintained during my tenure'. 'I express my deep gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister and the esteemed Council of Ministers. Prime Minister's cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office,' the letter read. It is important to note that Jagdeep Dhankar's resignation comes at a time when the Monsoon Session of Parliament is underway. In such a situation, it becomes important to understand how the Vice President is elected. Vice President's Election: To elect the Vice President of India, only Members of Parliament from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha participate. Nominated members also take part in this election. In contrast, during the Presidential election, voting is done by Lok Sabha MPs and MLAs from all state assemblies. Vice President Elections: Eligibility To contest the election for the post of Vice President, a person must be a citizen of India. They must be over 35 years of age Fulfill all the qualifications required to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. A candidate contesting for the Vice President's post must also deposit Rs 15,000 as a security deposit. This amount is forfeited if the candidate loses the election or fails to secure one-sixth of the total votes. How is voting conducted in the Vice Presidential election? In the Vice Presidential election, members of both Houses of Parliament participate. 245 members of the Rajya Sabha and 543 members of the Lok Sabha. Among the Rajya Sabha members, 12 are nominated MPs who also take part in the voting. The Vice President is elected through the Proportional Representation System using a special method called the Single Transferable Vote System. During voting, each voter casts only one vote, but they are required to rank the candidates in order of preference. On the ballot paper, the voter must mark their first preference as 1, second as 2, and so on. Jagdeep Dhankar is the third Vice President to resign before completing his term. Earlier, VV Giri stepped down from the Vice Presidency in July 1969 to contest the presidential election following the death of President Zakir Husain. After being elected as president, R Venkataraman resigned as Vice President in July 1987. He had served as Vice President from August 1984 to July 1987 and went on to hold the presidency until July 1992.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Samosa, jalebis, other Indian popular snacks to soon carry health warnings, says Health Ministry
In an effort to curb the growing burden of lifestyle diseases across the country, popular Indian snacks — such as samosas, jalebis, pakoras, vada pav, and chai biscuits — will soon carry health warnings, the Union Health Ministry said. This will take the form of a calorie count, highlighting the high levels of oil, sugar, and trans fats in these foods. The campaign is being rolled out first in Nagpur, where the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will serve as the pilot location for the initiative. The direction by the Ministry notes that cafeterias and public eating spaces on the campus will display easy-to-read warning boards next to food counters. 'AIIMS, Nagpur will now see the calorie count poster beside popular food stalls with clear information about sugar, fat, and trans-fat content. It will outline long-term health risks from frequent consumption. These warnings are designed to be direct and create awareness. The goal is to promote moderation, not restriction. The campaign is expected to expand to other cities later this year and we hope that this step will encourage people to make more mindful food choices,'' said a senior health official. Encouraging healthy choices Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava recently issued a direction to departments and agencies under various Ministries, instructing them to install oil and sugar board displays in the form of digital or static posters in common areas such as cafeterias, lobbies, and meeting rooms, to raise awareness on harmful consumption. They will print health messages on all official stationery and publications to reinforce daily reminders on fighting obesity as well. They were also asked to promote healthy meals and physical activity in their offices by providing nutritious, healthier food options — including more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat options, while limiting the availability of sugary drinks and high-fat snacks — and starting active workplace initiatives, such as encouraging the use of stairs, organising short exercise breaks, and facilitating walking routes. She added that these visual cues and practical tips are part of a larger national movement to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases. High obesity levels According to a recent study published in The Lancet, nearly 45 crore Indians could be overweight or obese by 2050. This means that, by mid-century, India is likely to have the second-highest number of overweight and obese people in the world, after China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that the current food environment in which many people live, work, and spend their daily lives consists of highly processed and readily available foods high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. Many of these foods are also heavily marketed and relatively cheap. As a result, consumers are often challenged to make healthy food-related decisions. Unhealthy diets are now a leading global public health risk, contributing to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancers.
United News of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Prez Murmu to begin 2-day visit to Odisha tomorrow
New Delhi, July 13 (UNI) President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a two-day visit to Odisha on Monday, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Secretariat said today. The President will attend the fifth convocation of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar on Monday, the first day of her visit. On Tuesday, the President will attend the 13th Annual Convocation of Ravenshaw University and lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls' High School in Cuttack. She will also attend the birth anniversary celebrations of Adikavi Sarala Das in Cuttack and present the Kalinga Ratna Award-2024. UNI XC GNK
