Recently, Nitin Kamath , the founder of Zerodha, experienced a stroke. His gradual recovery over six weeks has brought to light many important questions: What causes a stroke? How can we prevent it? What steps should we take if someone we know is at risk? Let’s break down the basics of what a stroke is, how it affects the body, and how we can protect ourselves from its potentially life-threatening consequences. What is a Stroke? A stroke occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough blood supply, which deprives it of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. This can happen for two main reasons: A blood clot blocks a vessel, preventing blood from reaching parts of the brain (called an ischemic stroke ). A blood vessel bursts , causing bleeding in or around the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke ). When either of these scenarios occurs, the affected part of the brain cannot perform its usual functions, leading to problems such as pa...

Did you know there’s a simple measure that can predict how well your heart will handle a heart attack? It’s called VO2 Max , and improving it could be the key to protecting your heart. Heart attacks are on the rise, despite advancements in medical treatments. Over the last five years, deaths from heart attacks have increased by more than 50% . But there's good news: by focusing on your heart fitness—measured by your VO2 Max—you can reduce your risk and strengthen your heart. What is VO2 Max? You may not have heard the term VO2 Max before, but it's a simple concept. VO2 Max measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen when you exercise. In other words, it tells you how fit your heart is. The higher your VO2 Max, the better your heart can handle stress and stay healthy. Here’s how VO2 Max works: For men , a healthy VO2 Max is above 35 ml/kg/min. For women , it should be above 30 ml/kg/min. Why VO2 Max is Important for Heart Health Research shows a...

Hello! I’m Dr. Rohit Madhav Sane, director of Madhavbaug Ayurvedic Heart Care Center. Today, we are going to talk about diabetes —a condition that often creates confusion and fear. But let me assure you, there’s no need to fear diabetes. In the next few minutes, I will explain how diabetes develops and how you can manage it effectively from your home. Let’s dive in! Common Misunderstandings About Diabetes When it comes to diabetes, many people carry misconceptions and unnecessary fears. It’s important to clear these up because diabetes isn’t something you need to be afraid of. Today, I’ll explain, in simple terms, how diabetes works in your body, so you’ll understand what exactly is happening and how you can tackle it effectively. How Does Diabetes Happen in Our Body? Our body has three main compartments that play a role in how sugar (glucose) is processed: Your stomach and intestines (digestive system) : This is where the food you eat is digested. Your bl...

Understanding the Significance of HbA1C in Diabetes Diagnosis, Reversal Monitoring, and Timing of Testing Introduction: In the global battle against diabetes, effective diagnostic tools and monitoring strategies play a pivotal role. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) has emerged as a crucial parameter in this fight, serving not only as a diagnostic tool for diabetes but also as a vital marker in monitoring the reversal of the condition. Understanding the importance of HbA1C in both diagnosis and reversal is essential for managing diabetes effectively and improving patient outcomes. What is HbA1C? HbA1C is a form of hemoglobin that is bound to glucose. It is formed through a non-enzymatic process known as glycation, where glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin in the blood. The level of HbA1C reflects the average blood glucose concentration over the past two to three months, providing a valuable indicator of long-term glycemic control. Diagnostic Role of HbA1C: Traditionally, the diagno...

  Understanding ABPM: The Right Tool to Diagnose and Prevent High BP In the realm of heart health, understanding and managing blood pressure is critical. Traditionally, measuring blood pressure has been a straightforward affair, conducted in the calm, controlled environment of a doctor's office. However, this method has its limitations, notably the phenomenon of "white coat hypertension," where patients exhibit higher blood pressure readings in clinical settings than they do in their everyday lives. This is where Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) comes into play, offering a deeper, more accurate insight into your heart's behavior over a full day and night. What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM)? Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring, or ABPM, is a method to measure blood pressure as you go about your daily activities, including during sleep. This technique uses a small, portable device worn on a belt connected to a cuff on your upper arm. U...

  Unveiling the Mystery: Why Fit Celebrities Are Suffering from Heart Attacks The world has been shocked by a series of heart attack cases among celebrities who epitomize health and fitness. This alarming trend raises an essential question: Why are seemingly fit individuals at risk of heart attacks? As we explore this mystery, it becomes evident that the facade of fitness can sometimes mask underlying vulnerabilities. Why are seemingly fit and vibrant figures succumbing to heart diseases, and what can we learn from them to protect our own hearts?  The recent surge in heart-related incidents among celebrities has not only been startling but has also opened up a crucial dialogue about heart health. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that heart disease does not discriminate by fame, fitness level, or outward appearances. It brings to light the essential trio in the fight against heart attacks: diet, exercise, and stress management.   Diet: The Foundation of ...

  The Rising Tide of Heart Attacks Among the Young: Understanding and Prevention In recent episodes of "Heart Health with Dr. Rohit Sane," hosted by Dr. Aman Kapoor, a pressing issue has been brought to light — the increasing incidence of heart attacks among the younger population. This concern, once thought to affect primarily the elderly, has seen a disturbing shift, with cases now emerging in individuals in their 20s and even among students. The question that arises from this alarming trend is: why is this happening, and more importantly, what can be done to prevent it? The Alarming Trend It's become common to hear about heart attacks in younger individuals, a trend that's not only surprising but deeply concerning. Reports and studies indicate a significant rise in the prevalence of heart attacks among those who should, by all traditional accounts, be in the prime of their health. This shift points to a deeper, more systemic issue at play — lifestyle. Under...

  15 Tips for Managing Cholesterol Naturally Hello, I'm Dr. Rohit Madhav Sane, at the founder of Madhavbaug Ayurvedic Heart Care Centers. Cholesterol management is a subject close to my heart, and through years of experience, I've seen the transformative power of natural remedies over medication. Today, I want to guide you through 15 actionable tips to manage your cholesterol naturally, emphasizing why lifestyle changes can be more beneficial than relying solely on medications. Embracing Lifestyle Over Medication The journey to lower cholesterol begins not in the medicine cabinet but with your daily habits. Medications, while effective, often serve as a band-aid solution and come with their side effects. On the other hand, lifestyle changes address the root causes, improving your overall well-being alongside cholesterol levels. Detailed Tips for Natural Cholesterol Management Limit Carbohydrates : Aim to make carbs only 30% of your intake, focusing on redu...

  Understanding Chest Pain: When to Worry and When Not To Experiencing chest pain can be scary, but it's good to know that not all chest pain is heart-related. While it's true that pain in your chest can sometimes signal a heart problem, many other conditions can cause similar feelings. Let's break down the reasons for chest pain into two simple categories: those related to the heart and those that aren't. Heart-Related Chest Pain Heart Attack: This is what most people worry about when they feel chest pain. It happens when blood flow to a part of the heart gets blocked. The pain can feel like a heavy weight on your chest, and it might spread to your arms, neck, or back. Angina: This kind of chest pain is caused by less blood getting to the heart. It might feel like a tight band around your chest, especially when you exert yourself. Pericarditis: This is when the sac around your heart gets inflamed, causing sharp pai...

  Sodium and High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know When it comes to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, the amount of salt you eat can make a big difference. Salt contains sodium, which is necessary for your body but in moderation. Let's explore how too much salt can affect your blood pressure and how you can manage your salt intake. Understanding Sodium in Salt   Sodium is a part of salt and is found in many foods. Your body needs it for muscles and nerves to work right, and it helps to keep the right balance of fluids. But eating too much salt can push your blood pressure up. How Sodium Affects Us   Sodium helps control the water balance in and around your cells and keeps your body working normally. If there's too much sodium, your body holds onto water to balance it out, and this extra water increases your blood pressure. Why is Too Much Salt Risky? Many people eat more salt than their body requires, especially because it's hidden in many foo...

  Stress and Heart Disease: Understanding the Deep Connection Introduction to the Interconnection:   The relationship between stress and heart disease is complex and multifaceted. Chronic stress affects the body in several ways that directly and indirectly contribute to cardiovascular problems. Here's a closer look at how stress acts as a catalyst for heart disease: Biological Responses to Stress:   Under stress, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response. This reaction causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which, over time, can strain the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart disease. Inflammation and Heart Disease:   Chronic stress leads to inflammation, a key factor in heart disease. Inflammatory processes can contribute to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and s...

  Harnessing Ancient Wisdom for Modern Health: Reversing Type 2 Diabetes In an era where chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes are on the rise, innovative approaches that blend ancient wisdom with modern science offer new hope. Among these, a unique treatment strategy rooted in Ayurveda, known as Sampurna Hriday Shuddhikaran (SHS) or Complete Cardiovascular Purification, stands out for its holistic approach to reversing Type 2 Diabetes. The Ayurvedic Approach Ayurveda, with its 5000-year-old heritage, emphasizes balance and harmony within the body. The SHS treatment, drawing from this ancient science, focuses on detoxifying the body and restoring its natural regulatory mechanisms. This process is crucial for addressing insulin resistance, a key factor in Type 2 Diabetes, where the body's inability to use insulin effectively leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Understanding Insulin Resistance The core of Type 2 Diabetes lies in insulin resistance, where the body's ...