Real Life: Heart Disease - 'Know Your Risks' By Dr Sandy Gupta

Dr Sandy Gupta is a consultant cardiologist at Whipps Cross and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals. He believes knowledge is the best defence in the battle against heart disease.

We caught up with Dr Gupta to talk more on knowing the risks of heart disease...

Q Why are people from a South Asian background twice as likely to die from heart disease as the rest of the UK population?
A We’re still not completely sure why but there’s some evidence that genes play a part, so family history means you may not have total control of your risk. However, we know that the way you live your life also makes a huge difference so if you don’t eat healthily or do much physical activity then your risk increases.

Q What other factors can increase chances of developing heart disease?
A Having diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, as well as smoking or using tobacco products, carrying lots of fat around your waist, eating an unhealthy diet and not doing enough physical activity all increase your risk of CHD.

Q How big a problem is CHD?
A I see South Asians in the UK with heart disease at a much younger age than the rest of the population – about ten years younger, in fact. That means that as a group we need to be more aware of the risks and start thinking about our heart health at a younger age, and young people need to work harder to live healthy and active lives.

The British Heart Foundation has been working for years to raise awareness of heart disease in South Asian communities and produces resources in several languages. They can give you lots of information and support on making changes to your lifestyle that can reduce your risk of heart diease – it’s all free so make sure you use it!

Q So what can people do to lower their risk of CHD?
A Even though genes may play a part, there’s still plenty you can do to lower your risk. If you smoke or chew tobacco products then stop. Giving up tobacco is the single most important thing you can do to lower your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Make sure you do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five days a week and take a look at what you’re eating. A healthy diet is low in saturated fat (which is found in butter, ghee and coconut) and salt. You don’t have to ban anything, it’s all about balance: you can have a samosa at a party but have one instead of five; by all means eat chappatis, but don’t smother them in ghee.

Q What else can be done?
A Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own health. CHD can’t be cured, doctors try to help you control the symptoms and reduce your risk of having a heart attack, but it’s much better if you take action to reduce your risk in the first place.

Risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes rarely show symptoms in their early stages, so go to your GP and say you want a health check. They will talk to you about your lifestyle, take your blood pressure, test your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. If you are given medication, make sure you take it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any worries about it.

There are still lots of ‘whys’ about the high number of South Asian people living in the UK with heart disease but there are lots of people who can support you to have a healthier lifestyle and help you to reduce your risk of developing it.

This interview is taken from an article that appears in the British Heart Foundation’s heart & soul magazine. Order your free copy today.