Kathmandu

When it comes to heart diseases, not only Nepal but the whole of Southeast Asia is at risk, say experts in this field. Cardiology service started in Nepal around late 1970s in Bir Hospital, when general physician carried out the treatment due to lack of trained specialists. With the arrival of some trained cardiologists, Nepal Heart Foundation was established with their initiative to make people aware about the disease. Its branches have been established in various parts of the country.

Cardiologist Abani Bhushan Upadhyaya is the first trained heart specialist to join Bir Hospital during those days. He had been and, still is, full of energy and willingness to contribute to his area of study and to society. “However, owing to various constraints, the pioneer institute that started this service now is not functioning as expected,” says Dr Upadhyaya, adding:

“Nevertheless, Nepal has taken a great leap forward in cardiology with the founding of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center with quality treatment and research facilities available at reasonable costs. Even the poor can benefit from the services of this hospital.” Dr Upadhaya was member secretary of the National Heart Center in its initial phases and feels happy about it now when he sees it working according to its original concept. The center provides services even at an international level.

Even so, existing facilities in Nepal are still insufficient to meet the growing need for reliable healthcare. So a significant number of patients are still going to neighbouring countries for treatment, which causes great inconvenience to patients and relatives, at the same time causing a great deal of financial burden as compared to treatment costs at home. Realising the urgent need for establishment of a well-resourced and reliable health care centre of international standards, the Medicare National Hospital and Research Center (MNHRC) was established as a Public Limited Company in 1997 in Kathmandu, of which Dr Upadhyaya is the chairman, chief of cardiology department and chief consultant cardiologist. “In the private sector, we provide the total package including surgery - except heart transplantation - and expert service in more than 52 other sectors,” says Dr Upadhyaya.

MNHRC is providing specialist care in the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery and also in a wide range of specialties. The best cardiac services using the latest of technologies are available at MNHRC. Dr Upadhyaya says, “We are paying attention to both the curative and the preventive aspects of cardiology and cardiac surgery. Besides patient services, it is also involved in training and research activities.” Clarifying common charges against most private organisations of being profit oriented, Dr Upadhyaya explains, “Treatment in heart problems is highly expensive even in rich countries, not to mention in Nepal. It is really disappointing when people look upon private hospitals only as profit making organisations, thus minimising the value of the quality service we provide. However, we do have special provisions for those who cannot afford the treatment. Our mission is to provide the full range of medical and surgical care to needy heart patients.”

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in Southeast Asia. But many things can be done at personal level to prevent and manage heart disease and live a long, healthy life. So what should be done to keep the heart healthy? The first step is to assess the risk. Some risk factors are within our control, such as choosing not to smoke, making sure to control high blood pressure and limiting the amount of stress in life. The other factors that are out of control include

genetic predisposition to heart ailments. It is important to create awareness among the population about heart diseases and help them in preventing them. “The best way to address heart diseases is to prevent it in the first place through healthy life choices - minimising consumption of fatty foods, getting regular exercise and not smoking. These practices substantially lower the risk of heart disease,” says Dr Upadhyaya. Dr Upadhyay also adds that Pranayama and other yogic practices are definitely helpful for heart problems but not as an alternative to treatment for those who already have the problem. Prescriptions must supplement practice of pranayama, the good doctor says.

Risk Factors

•High Cholesterol

•High Blood Pressure

•Not Eating a Heart-Healthy Diet

•No Regular Exercise

•Smoking

•Stress

•Alcohol

•Family History of Heart Problem

Symptoms

•Upper body pain

•Chest pain

•Shortness of breath

•Irregular heart beats

•Weakness or dizziness

•Nausea

•Sweating