Apollo Hospitals to add over 2,000 beds in next three-year expansion plan

Company plans speciality beds for cardiology & cancer, will expand to new cities

After crossing a target of 10,000 beds capacity, Apollo Hospitals is gearing for the next stage of an expansion plan that would see an addition of around 2,000 beds. The hospital chain is in the final stage of its current three-year expansion plan, which targeted to add 2,500 beds.

"I think Apollo doesn't sleep. It works round the clock and we are completing the three-year plan of adding 2,500 beds now, which will be completed with the proton centre. But we will have another three-year plan. We need more beds because of the huge problem of NCDs (non-communicable diseases)," said Prathap C Reddy, executive chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group.

In the next stage, the company would have speciality beds for cardiology and cancer, would expand to other cities where it does not have the presence and also to increase the beds in cities where it is already present in, he said.

"Investment for the present expansion is completely covered. When it comes for the next expansion, people are willing to give us money, they trust us," added Reddy. He was speaking on the sidelines of launching Apollo Memory and Apollo Headache and Migraine Clinics, set up in its hospital in Chennai.

Read full News go on- .business-standard.com

Sugar may be the new cholesterol!

AHMEDABAD: Leading cardiologists from across Delhi and India debated how 'sugar might be the new cholesterol' for people at risk of heart disease, as any excess amount consumed is converted to fat! Dr G R Kane, a senior cardiologist from Hinduja Hospital, said that while people are mindful of the fact that consuming high-fat food may increase cholesterol levels, there is little awareness about the adverse impact of eating excess sugar. "Sugar is still associated with diabetes but it gets directly converted to fat. There needs to be awareness about consuming sugar in moderation," Kane said.

Read Full News Sources- Times of India

Sugar and many other controversial factors affecting heart health and cardiac disease treatment were discussed by experts at 'national debate' 2017 which revived a similar exercise undertaken by leading physicians of Gujarat — Dr Harshad Gandhi, Dr Jyotindra Bhatt, and Dr Premal Thakore — in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The debate was revived by course co-ordinators, cardiologists Dr Sameer Dani, Dr Sunil Thanvi, and Dr Rashmit Pandya.

Study settles debate over head position following stroke

New Delhi, 22nd June 2017: Stroke or Brain Attack is the leading cause of death and disability in the world. A trial involving more than 11,000 patients has revealed sitting up or lying flat after a stroke makes no difference to their recovery.

The research led by The George Institute for Global Health set out to discover if the bed position of people with the most common form of stroke, (acute ischemic) reduced death or disability.

Some studies had indicated lying flat may improve recovery by increasing blood flow in the main arteries to the brain, but there were fears it also raised the risks of pneumonia.

The worldwide results published in the New England Journal of Medicine found the position of a patient’s head does not affect outcomes.

Lead investigator Professor Craig Anderson of The George Institute of Global Health, Sydney said: "Many stroke specialists believe that the way the body is positioned after stroke makes a difference to their patient’s recovery. But, there was really no conclusive evidence to back this up. We know the first 24 hours of care post-stroke is crucial to recovery, so it was vital to find out if sitting up or lying down flat could make any difference."

National lead Principal Investigator Professor Jeyaraj D Pandian, Honorary Professor, the George Institute for Global Health & Head of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana stated that "Head position does not matter so much over and above good nursing care. It does not help with recovery, with mortality or how a patient feels. However, we also found there were no significant harms associated with either lying down flat or sitting up."

The study is the largest ever randomised nursing care trial and took place at 114 hospitals in nine countries (UK, Australia, China, Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Chile, Brazil, Colombia).Professor Pandian added, Patients were either assigned to lie flat with their face upwards or with their head raised to at least 30 degrees during the first 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital for a stroke. They were then assessed 90 days later. From India 499 patients were enrolled from 6 stroke centers (Christian Medical College, Ludhiana; PGIMER, Chandigarh; Dr. Ramesh Superspeciality Hospitals, Guntur; SCTIMST Trivandrum and Baby Memorial Hospital, Calicut).

Professor Anderson said the results were very reassuring to lower to middle income countries, where lying flat is more commonly practiced due to the lack of motorized beds.

"What we found is that patients found lying flat somewhat uncomfortable, but it certainly didn’t make their condition any worse. Our findings suggest a review of current clinical practice guidelines is warranted," Professor Pandian added. The majority of patients who took part in the study had mild to moderate severity strokes, with an average age of 68 years.

Read Source - http://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/study-settles-debate-over-head-position-following-stroke/59268886

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Dealing with Ear Pain while Scuba Diving

Ear pain while scuba diving is a common problem encountered by almost every diver at some point; it is also called ear squeeze. The primary reason of this can be due to the difference in pressure between the ear and the outer environment. There can be many other causes and a person experiencing such sensation must see an ENT Specialist for a better diagnostic.

ENT Specialist Explain the Cause for Ear Pain While Scuba Diving

The pain occurs when the diver descends deeper underwater; it is because the water pressure on the tympanic membrane (ear drum) increases. The pain increases as the diver descend deeper as every 33 feet deeper under the water the atmospheric pressure changes by 1 atmosphere.

The eustachian tube plays a major in equalizing this pressure. Under normal circumstance, this tube opens and allows the pressure on the eardrum to balance with the water pressure outside in the sea. But if the eustachian tube does not open then due to the water pressure the eardrum is pushed inward causing inflaming and stretching of the ear canal and causing pain.

If the diver continues to descend deeper in the sea ignoring the pain, the eardrums may burst causing vomiting, nausea, and dizziness because the seawater rushes into the middle ear.

Some of the reasons why the Eustachian tube might not equalize can be attributed to things like smoking, extreme ear cleaning, allergies, respiratory infections, nasal polyps, and previous facial trauma.

Dealing with the Pain

It is essential that the diver immediately attends to the pain. The best way to treat or suspend the pain is to avoid diving for few days and consult a doctor. In the initial stage, oral decongestants and nasal spray might be administered to help with the eustachian tube and if an allergy persists then the physician may prescribe antihistamines.

Pain medication and ear drops may be advised to relieve the pain in the ear. If the eardrum is ruptured then an antibiotic might be required. Oral steroids may need to be administered if the patient is suffering from facial paralysis.

Few Tips for Easy Equalizing

Few precautionary measures can be practiced by the diver to avoid ear pain while diving and help the process of equalizing.

The diver can start the dive early and try to equalize the ear, it has been observed that chewing gum can help in the process. One must also observe a pop in the ears as it indicates that the eustachian tubes are opening.

It helps if you descend feet-first; it has been widely observed that if you descend feet-first, equalizing happens faster. Extend and look up to help your eustachian tubes open. ENT Specialists say that if you experience pain that means your tube haven’t opened and you need to stop.

Avoid the consumption of food that prompts the production of mucus; food like milk. Stay away from tobacco and alcohol as it irritates the mucus membranes and in turn increases the production of more mucus. Prevent water from going up the nose as it again increases the mucus production.

ENT Specialists Advice

This is a serious issue with diving and no diver should take it lightly. It can lead to serious damages to the nose, the ear and even the throat. It is also observed that some threat to the brain is also posed. The affected person should consult the doctor if they have experienced any of the symptoms or pain in the ear after or during diving. It is also advised that the diver takes a partner with them while going diving. 

Post Heart Attack Angioplasty

Also commonly known as balloon angioplasty this process is an endovascular procedure which is used to widen up the blocked or narrowed arteries of the heart and veins. A coronary angioplasty is performed with the help of a balloon-tipped catheter. This catheter is inserted in the wrist or the groin in order to enlarge the narrowing coronary artery.

In some other cases, the catheter contains a stainless steel mesh known as a stent, which is used to keep the blood vessel in an open position and has the ability to remain in that place even after the balloon has been deflated and removed.

Usually performed immediately after a heart attack, preferably within twenty-four hours, getting the procedure done at the right time considerably reduces your risk of having a successive heart attack.

It is important to understand the reason why cardiac arrests occur. The coronary artery gets blocked due to the plaque that gets left behind in the walls of the arteries of the heart. The blockage occurs because of large amounts of cholesterol intake, lack of physical exercise and unhealthy lifestyle choices such as excessive drinking or smoking.

Since heart failures and heart attacks are grave medical emergency, immediate action is the key to minimize the extent and amount of damage caused. Depending on the type of facilities available in the hospital, a procedure like this can cost anywhere between one to three lakhs in India.

Admittedly, it is a little heavy on the pocket, but it is highly recommended and very favorable in the long run to consult an experienced doctor as your muscles would be less likely to suffer any sort of damage if your doctor is able to restore the blood supply quickly.

There are benefits as well as risks involved with post heart attack angioplasty. A careful understanding of both will allow you to choose wisely and minimize the implicated risks.

Benefits:

Research suggests that a post heart attack angioplasty drastically reduces the risks of further heart attacks thus having the potential to save lives. It is possibly the most efficient method of getting the blood flowing quickly towards the heart. It is also very helpful in relieving chest pains caused by blockages and decreasing other related symptoms. In comparison to an open heart surgery, this procedure is definitely less complicated, requires lesser post-operation care, and allows its patients to recover more quickly.

Risks:

Every medical procedure comes with a certain amount of risk attached to it. This invasive procedure may cause you to react against the anesthetic or the dye being used. Other materials used in the process can also cause a side effect. Other types of risks that are hugely associated with the procedure are:

Clotting, bleeding or bruising at the point where the insertion is made.

People suffering from existing kidney problems may experience further kidney damages.

Damages may occur to the blood vessel, artery or the heart valve.

Although this procedure is associated with the risk of heart attack, the possibility is very low.

The important thing to remember is that an emergency procedure is not the complete cure for blocked arteries. In several cases, where a stent isn’t used, the coronary artery can become narrow again, known as restenosis.

Avoid opting for a seemingly pocket-friendly procedure, and go for the complete solution that’ll give you longer lasting results.

Life after Angioplasty:

One of the main reasons for heart failures or cardiac arrests is an unhealthy lifestyle. An improvement in diet and an appropriate amount of exercising guarantees a healthier lifestyle and a decreased chance of your coronary arteries being blocked. Consult your doctor before going in for exercises like cycling, jogging, and swimming as it substantially increases your heart rate. Alternatively, a cardiac rehabilitation program might be the best way to go. A complete and healthy change in your lifestyle (diet, food, and exercise) is the most recommended course of action to avoid any further complications.

Fortis Heart Failure Centre in Chennai performs Angioplasty for the cost of one and a half lakh rupees (1,50,000) along with a private ward and excluding the stent. Whereas, in Sarvana Heart Hospital Chennai, the procedure in a private ward can cost around one lakh and twenty thousand rupees (1,20,000). Rates and costs, of course, vary from ward to ward and hospital to hospital, but a general inference can be drawn from the above illustrations. 

Know Causes of Diarrhoea in Children: Consult Paediatrician

In medical terms Diarrhoea is a symptom of a bowel infection where the body eliminates itself from germs; most cases this lasts for few days to a week. Nausea, fever, stomach ache, dehydration, watery stools, and cramps are very common symptoms if a child is having Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea in children is very common compared to adults, what are the common causes Diarrhoea in children? Let us know the some of the causes of diarrhoea and how to treat them before consulting a Paediatrician.

Common Diarrhoea Symptoms in Children:

Viruses are one of the most common causes of diarrhoea, children can get infected by viruses like bacteria, rotavirus, salmonella and via parasites like giardia at times. It is crucial to know the first steps of treatment in such cases, as preventing fluid loss becomes one of the top most priorities.

In the case of infants, ORS (oral rehydration solution) and frequent feeding of breastmilk are always advisable. Having said that, water alone is not adequate as it doesn’t contain enough potassium, sodium and other required nutrients to ensure 100% rehydration for a child. Consult a pediatrician near you to understand how much fluid intake is required and how to keep a close watch on dehydration.

Diarrhoea in kids can be due to food poisoning as well, though in normal cases children may vomit frequently and within 24 to 48 hrs this tends to go away. Treatment of diarrhoea due to food poisoning is almost similar diarrhoea caused by other infection; keep children hydrated and consult a doctor or a pediatrician in case the situation is not under control after 48 hours.

Another cause of diarrhoea in children can be due to some of the irritable bowel disease, the side effect of any antibiotics, too much intake of candies or sugary foods, allergies to certain food items and celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder which mainly affects the small intestine).

Know the preventive steps:

There are few simple ways to keep your children away from Diarrhoea, try to follow some of the preventive steps mentioned below:

●        Follow food hygiene: Keep healthy with proper storage of food, handling them well and, cooking food after proper washing of vegetables.

●        Washing hands:  A simple and effective way to stay away from stomach infections is following the rule and wash your hands after and before eating.

●        Cleanliness: Toddlers often tends to grab things and get it in their mouth, so keep away things that may not be suitable for children and ensure their toys and other items are clean.

Be cautious:

●        Never ignore diarrhoea in children, keep a check, as severe dehydration can be dangerous; it may cause brain damage, seizures, and even death. So never avoid these signs of dehydration in children:

●        Children being very thirsty or frequently thirsty

●        Crying but no tears in eyes

●        Dryness in skin or mouth

●        Little urination which is dark in color

●        Dizziness and lack of energy

In such cases consulting a specialist or a pediatrician to treat a potential infection is always a better option.

Pollution and Heart Disease: Is There a Connection? - NDTV News

A recent Greenpeace India report, published at the beginning of 2017, shows that air pollution results in 1.2 million deaths every year in the country - Delhi being the most polluted. Continuous exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to long-term heath effects like chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer and even cause damage to the brain. A group of researchers, from the University of Washington School of Public Health, have now found a strong link between exposure to bad quality air and higher incidence of heart disease.

According to their findings which are a part of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, an ongoing US study examining the lifestyle factors that predict the development of cardiovascular disease, exposure to high levels of air pollution may increase the risk of heart disease by lowering the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as the "good" cholesterol. Imagine this, you are breathing in and breathing out the same toxic air every second. It is bound to have some impact on your physical health. 

 

For the study, 6,654 middle-aged and older US adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds were examined. It was seen that people living in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution had lower HDL levels. Moreover, exposure to high particulate matter over a period of three months was associated with a a lower HDL particle number. These changes in the HDL levels may appear even after a brief exposure to air pollution, the authors noted. Further, it was seen that men and women responded to air pollutants differently. While HDL levels fell when faced with higher pollution exposure for both sexes, the magnitude was greater in women.

Low levels of good cholesterol can be an indicator of heart disease. Low levels of good cholesterol may be often accompanied by increased triglyceride levels which is bad for your heart. Pollution can also cause inflammatory effects in the heart which can lead to blood vessel rupture causing high blood pressure or even heart failure. 

You can find list of best cardiology doctors from top hospitals in Delhi.

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