PGI integrates targeted weight loss to treat heart patients

Chandigarh: The cardiology department at PGIMER is adopting a holistic approach to treating patients with functional heart diseases by integrating targeted weight loss strategies alongside traditional medication in their outpatient departments (OPDs).

Dr Parag Barwad, assistant professor at the department of advanced cardiac centre, highlighted the significance of addressing obesity in heart disease management, stating: “Approximately, 70 patients with heart ailments visit our cardiac department OPD, with around 50% of them being obese.”

Obesity significantly heightens the risk of heart diseases due to its association with elevated blood fats, inflammation and resultant blood vessel damage and plaque accumulation. This raises the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

Furthermore, increased body size leads to greater blood volume and subsequently higher blood pressure, placing additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.

At PGIMER, patients were encouraged to aim for 10% weight reduction over six months through personalised diet plans and regular exercise, including brisk walking for 4 to 5 km daily. For those unable to achieve this target, a multi-modal approach involving medication assistance was employed.

Patients with a BMI exceeding 35 were advised to consider bariatric surgery, such as gastric sleeve or bypass surgery that has shown significant efficacy in achieving weight loss, particularly in individuals with class 3 obesity. “We’ve observed that patients who managed to shed 10% of their body weight experienced an 8 to 10% decrease in blood volume, resulting in lower blood pressure,” Dr Barwad said. This reduction in weight not only aids in blood pressure management, but also correlates with a notable decrease in atrial fibrillation occurrences, the doctor added.