Cardio/Carbo

                                                     


June 1988 - A coronary artery bypass graft surgery ( CABG ) to correct arterial disorder was done to me at Bombay Hospital and before surgery I was told that a successful graft typically last 7 to 10 years, particularly   younger patients with no complicating diseases will do better compared to older patients. The CABG graft lasted perfectly 25 plus years and I am eager to briefly share the post Surgery life style corrections.

Throughout prehistoric time man's quest for fitness has been driven by a desire to survive by hunting and gathering thus demanding a high level of fitness.Confucius the Chinese philosopher encouraged physical activity as a result CONFU Gymnastic was developed to keep his subjects physique in good condition.In India individual pursuit of fitness was discouraged as religious belief of Buddhism and Hinduism emphasized spiritualism and tended to neglect development of body.The importance of fitness within society in general was relatively low;though Yoga existed for over 5000 years but more practiced by Hindu ascetics , saints and priests who lived frugal life style characterized by discipline and meditation ( Yoga is much more pronounced in the Western World and it is estimated in America alone there are over 12 Million people practice Yoga in some way ) . I want to emphasis in a very categorical terms to INVEST Liberally your time to HEALTHY LIVING .There are several physiological benefits of exercise first is improvement in muscular function ,strength and capacity in body's ability to take in and use Oxygen ( maximize Oxygen consumption for aerobic capacity ) as the ability to transport and use Oxygen improves regular daily activities can be performed with less fatigue.This is particularly important for patients with cardiovascular disease who's exercise capacity is typically lower than that of  a healthy individual.One should participate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on most and preferably all days a week i.e walking briskly at about 3 miles per hour will equal to 1200 to 1400 calorie  of energy expended per week. I recommend walking to running / jogging for instance it takes longer to walk a mile than to run a mile and if you match both the energy expended are comparable,it would take twice as long about an hour for brisk walking instead of 35 minutes for running. It has been conclusively proved that brisk walking reduces the risk of heart disease more effectively than running by 9.3% while running 4.5%. It is a matter of  grave concern that developed nations along with fast developing nations like India are currently getting deprived of  their " HUMAN CAPITAL" resources in productive enterprises during 40's and 50's it is a social and national loss when experience and efficiency are at the optimum level getting diminished due to abysmal sedentary and dietary habits.

A complete U turn of living added another graceful 25 years of my existence. I was able to not only recuperate from the traumatic CABG surgery but fulfill my family and social responsibilities. It is not easy to make a judgement and select a a proper diet ,however, I shall briefly indicate few significant issues: Firstly the serving size should be limited to an extent that  you consume limited. Eating more of Low Calorie nutrient rich foods such as fruit and vegetables and less on high sodium and high calorie such as refined and processed or fast foods; there is plethora  of books and articles to guide you on healthy eating nevertheless a High Blood Cholesterol having low density lipoprotien type B ( I guess) can lead to Plaques .It is the SMALL DENSE LDL which is more toxic than LARGE LDL and some times person having elevated LDL perhaps is more safer than MODEST ELEVATION OF LDL. It is now believed HDL below 35 and Triglycerides above 250 there is 90% chance of SMALL DENSE LDL present.There is also a genetic predisposition to have a small dense LDL. The aim is to shift small dense LDL to Large buoyant LDL. Cardiovascular exercise and consumption of POLYUNSATURATED FATS less sugar and restricted salt or sodium and a goal to achieve healthy life style is key to enjoyable LONGEVITY.

Finally I consider myself to be the greatest beneficiary from corrections the package being:-
a)  CABG lasted 25 + years  instead of 7 or 10 years.
b) Could carry out family and social responsibilities.
c) At 66 age I am active and clocking 4.5 miles stretch with incline in 40 minutes straight also could easily complete 40 laps in swimming at NBSA pool in Navi Mumbai
d) I am fortunate of having learned the MANTRA of Healthy Living just following exercise and proper intake.

I want you to inculcate this simple MANTRA to your living.