Dr Ramji Mehrotra - How can regular checkups reduce your risk of heart disease

1. Dr Ramji Mehrotra - How can regular checkups reduce your risk of heart disease? Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is on the rise. While some risk factors for heart disease, such as age, genetics, and family history, cannot be changed, others, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease by identifying and managing these risk factors early on. Dr. Ramji Mehrotra, who is one of India’s best cardiovascular surgeons, says that during regular checkups doctors can identify risk factors for heart disease that may be overlooked by individuals who are otherwise healthy. During a checkup, the doctor will typically perform a physical exam, review medical history, and order lab tests to assess overall health and identify any potential health concerns.

2. For example, high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. However, hypertension often has no symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to detect on their own. The doctor can measure blood pressure during a checkup and recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help manage it. Similarly, high cholesterol, another risk factor for heart disease, often has no symptoms. The medical practitioner can order a lipid panel blood test to assess cholesterol levels and recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help manage it. Regular checkups can also provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to discuss lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of heart disease. These may include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, following a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress. According to Dr. Ramji Mehrotra, in addition to lifestyle changes, medical treatment may also be necessary to manage risk factors for heart disease. For example, individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol may benefit from medication to help manage these conditions. Regular checkups can help ensure that individuals are receiving appropriate medical treatment for these conditions, and that medication dosages are adjusted as needed to ensure optimal management.

3. In conclusion, regular checkups with a healthcare provider can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart disease by identifying and managing risk factors early on. By identifying and managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and stress, individuals can take steps to improve their heart health and reduce their risk of heart disease.