As the world observed the World Heart Day on Wednesday, the AMRI Hospitals-Bhubaneswar launched a first-of-its-kind patient engagement forum in the form of a Cardiac Support Group in region. The support group will help provide information and create a network for those in need of cardiac treatment, besides raising awareness on how to maintain a healthy heart. “Many people feel that heart diseases affect only those over 50, but the truth is they can strike anybody, any time, from childhood to early twenties. It is recommended to get your cholesterol checked every five years, starting at the age of 20”, said Director, Cardiology, AMRI Hospital-Bhubaneswar Dr JK Padhi. “Heart health has assumed even more significance during the ongoing Covid pandemic, as there is a rising trend of sudden heart attacks, and even people below the age of 40 are affected. Faulty lifestyle, unhealthy diet, heavy smoking, or a history of cardiac complaints are responsible for contributing towards rising heart troubles in younger people.” said Dr Mahesh Prasad Agrawala. Many patients who had undergone procedures at AMRI Hospitals shared their experiences on how they have been leading an unhealthy lifestyle and eventually developed cardiovascular diseases. Their life returned to a normal, healthier flow as they came in contact with cardiac experts of AMRI Hospitals. “It is true that people with a family history of heart disease are always at higher risk of developing cardiac problems, but they can significantly reduce this risk and even prevent themselves from suffering cardiac issues by choosing a healthy lifestyle,” said Uma Prasanna Tripathy who underwent a CABG procedure at AMRI Hospitals. Renowned cardiac surgeons like Dr Jitendranath Patnaik, Dr BiswajeetMohapatra, and Senior Cardiologist, Dr Lingaraj Nath, opined that in today’s age and time focus of cardiac treatment should be more on preventive measures, rather than curative measures. Vice-President and Unit Head, AMRI Hospitals Bhubaneswar NilanjanaMukherjee pointed out that a large number of people are leading a sedentary lifestyle, even when they have conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, are obese with almost no physical exercise, along with high stress lifestyle, and bad habits like consumption of tobacco and alcohol. All these factors come together to be among most leading cause ofcardiac diseases and contributing factor for other diseases, she added.