Mysuru: There is a need to include medical literature in the publication and awards divisions of Kendra Sahitya Akademi. “Medical literature gives a reader a peek into the future of humanity, future of medicine and the future of life itself. It shows the moral dimensions of the person’s (doctor’s) chosen profession and their search for the meaning of life itself,” said Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa. 

He was speaking after releasing the book “Hrudayaghata” (Heart Attack) third edition written by Suyog Hospital Chairman Dr. S.P. Yoganna. The event was held at the hospital premises in Ramakrishnanagar yesterday and was organised by District Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Suyog Hospital and Thayamma Publications. 

Cariappa, who is also the Member of Kendra Sahitya Akademi, said that he will raise the issue of medical literature being included in the publications and awards division at the meeting chaired by Akademi Chairman Dr. Chandrashekhara Kambar. 

Diverting his speech on the affairs of Rangayana, Cariappa said that when he took over as the Director, several vested interests branded him as a Right Wing activist. “These people took to a smear campaign to further their own selfish interests. But now they have realised that I have no Left or Right views but what is important to me is the upkeep and functioning of Rangayana. Nothing else matters. I am like a watchdog and I will strive for the overall development of the theatre repertoire,” he added. 

Youngsters prone to heart attacks

Sharing his thoughts on heart ailments, Dr. K.S. Sadananda, Medical Superintendent of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, regretted that these days many youngsters die of heart attacks and many youngsters have a lot of heart ailments. 

“Dietary choices such as exposure and access to ultra-processed food, weight and obesity, sedentary lifestyle and decreased physical activity have increased the risk. So much so experts aren’t surprised by the fact that heart attacks are climbing in young people. These bad habits are starting in early childhood now and needs urgent attention,” he said. 

In fact, 20 percent of people who have a heart attack are 40 or younger, a rate that has risen 2 percent a year for 10 years, new research reports say. “Some of these people are now in their 20s and early 30s. These young heart attack victims also have the same risks of dying from another heart attack or stroke as older patients,” he revealed. 

Even if a person is in his 20s or 30s, once he has had a heart attack, he is at risk for more cardiovascular events. This is as much risk as someone who may be older. Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, family history of premature heart attack and high cholesterol were the same among older and young people who suffered a heart attack, Dr. Sadananda said. 

“Many people think that a heart attack is destined to happen, but the vast majority could be prevented with earlier detection of the disease and aggressive lifestyle changes and management of other risk factors,” he added. 

The book release event was inaugurated by Karnataka State Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar. Noted Cardiologist Dr. Arun Srinivas, District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna, author Dr. S.P. Yoganna, Cardiologists Dr. Vinu and Dr. Aditya Udupa and others were present.