SAHIWAL: Not each pain in heart means it is a cardiac problem but one should not ignore any symptoms related to pain in heart.

US-based cardiologist Dr Ather Anis said this at a public lecture at the Government Comprehensive High School on Monday. The lecture, attended by students, Rescue 1122 officials and school teachers, discussed ‘Signs, symptoms, preventive measure and precautions during cardiac arrest’.

He said a heart weighs around 10 ounce and a healthy heart beats 70 times a minute. Heart is the sole vital organ of the body that keeps the body and life intact.

The audience learned about cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is about helping a patient suffering a cardiac arrest. He said fats, cholesterol and calcium in blood are considered the main causes of heart attack.

He said when the vascular system because of blood thickness stopped injecting blood to heart, a heart attack occurred. He said daily exercise, balanced and healthy diet, a check on diabetes and smoking could reduce the danger of heart attack. He said fresh vegetables and fruits were the best for heart health.

Dr Anis said doctor and patient must develop a relationship based on trust and respect but unfortunately the aspect was widely ignored while treating patients.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2019