Latest news with #CathLabandCardiology
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctors say even healthy people are at risk from energy drinks: Here's why
Did you know there are no health benefits to consuming energy drinks? Many believe that being fit protects them from heart issues but energy drinks can still pose hidden dangers. You think you're fit? Beware, how energy drinks secretly stress your heart and mind.(Photo by George Doyle on Getty Images) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Asit Khanna, Principal Consultant and Director - Cath Lab and Cardiology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals in Kaushambi, shared, 'Energy drinks contain high concentrations of caffeine, sugar and stimulants such as guarana, taurine and L-carnitine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, increasing alertness, and when combined with sugar creates a so-called 'energy explosion.' This stimulation can be followed by a sudden energy crash. Depending on frequency of consumption, users develop dependence on them.' Most energy drinks consist of similar ingredients — water, sugar, caffeine, certain vitamins, minerals and non-nutritive stimulants such as guarana, taurine and ginseng.(Shutterstock) He revealed that regular consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including: Increase heart rate, BP (Consuming these beverages, increases BP by average 5.23/3.29 mmHg) Myocardial infarction Spontaneous coronary artery dissection Coronary vasospasm Increased arterial stiffness(promotes ectopic beats/extrasystoles and arrhythmias) Gradual weakening of Heart muscles Increase in platelet aggregation Prolonged QTc interval hence arrhythmias Increased risk of torsades de pointes Weight gain Increased risk of obesity and diabetes This isn't hydration, it's heart damage in a can Dr Asit Khanna further cautioned, 'Risk of developing attention and hyperactivity disorders, insomnia, panic attacks, psychotic episodes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cognitive impairments all of which can adversely affect the heart.' According to the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, over half of the youth and young adults who consume an energy drink, have reported experiencing an adverse health event, including rapid heartbeat, nausea, and in rare cases, seizures.(Shutterstock) Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant - Dept of Cardiology at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, explained, 'Packed with high levels of caffeine and sugar, they can spike heart rate, increase blood pressure and trigger anxiety or sleep disturbances. Over time, frequent consumption can strain your heart and elevate the risk of arrhythmias or other cardiac problems, even in healthy individuals.' He elaborated, 'The mental boost is temporary, but the physiological stress can be lasting. It's important to read labels, stay informed, and choose healthier hydration options like water or natural juices to truly support both heart and mind health.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Do heart diseases pass on to generations? Here's what you can control
Some heart diseases can be passed down through generations onto children. Health experts point out that heart diseases can be inherited, meaning if your parents or close relatives have had heart conditions, especially early in life, your risk may be higher. The silent heart risk lurking in your DNA: Experts reveal how to outsmart it.(Image by Pixabay) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Asit Khanna, Principal Consultant and Director, Cath Lab and Cardiology at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals in Kaushambi, shared, 'Genetic abnormalities affecting blood pressure regulation (hypertension), cholesterol metabolism, blood sugar control (diabetes), electrical activity of the heart (rhythm disorders), heart muscle function (cardiomyopathies) and heart valves can all be transmitted from parents or ancestors to subsequent generations.' Did you know Indians carry a specific genetic trait known as the South Asian gene, which makes them more prone to heart disease. (Freepik) He revealed, 'Interestingly, these conditions may not always appear in immediate family members but can resurface after skipping one or more generations — a phenomenon known as 'genetic skip.' They can occur in an individual with no similar history in parents, but similar illness 3-4 generations before ( 'Skip').' According to Dr Asit Khanna, genetically transmitted diseases also tend to occur earlier and earlier in next generations ("anticipation"). Additionally, inherited heart conditions often tend to appear at younger ages in successive generations, a pattern referred to as 'genetic anticipation'. How to fight back Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant - Dept of Cardiology at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, said, 'Genetic traits like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes often run in families. However, genetics is only part of the picture.' Cardiologists feel the most important cause behind sudden cardiac death remains coronary artery disease, a condition where coronary arteries get blocked. A change in lifestyle and adoption of healthy habits can help keep your heart healthy.(Freepik) He advised, 'You can control modifiable risk factors by maintaining a healthy lifestyle—eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. Regular health check-ups are key to early detection. Understanding your family history empowers you to take preventive action and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
