Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 8: A health education programme at the Urban Health and Training Centre (UHTC), Haddo, focused on preventing heart disease through healthier living, while offering cardiovascular risk screening to patients attending the outpatient department. The initiative was organised by the Department of Community Medicine, ANIIMS, on the occasion of World Heart Day.
The programme brought patients and attendants above 30 years of age into a session covering major cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and smoking. Participants were also advised on the importance of regular screening and taking prescribed medication as directed.
As part of the programme, patients attending the UHTC’s OPD received blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) assessments, along with electrocardiography (ECG) where required. The screening was intended to help identify cardiovascular risk factors and abnormalities at an early stage.
The session also addressed the symptoms that can indicate a heart attack. Participants were informed about warning signs including chest pain or heaviness, breathlessness, sweating and nausea, as well as pain that may extend to the arm, jaw or back.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion on preventing heart disease and seeking medical care in a timely manner. The session also emphasised the role of community-level health education in improving awareness of cardiovascular health and preventing premature deaths.
The initiative was conducted under the overall leadership and encouragement of ANIIMS Director Dr. Mukesh Tripathi and the guidance of Dr. Ajay Raj, Dr. Samar Hossain, Dr. Aanchal Anand, Dr. Mitul Saha and Dr. Razeeda Bano.
