Obesity and Heart Disease

Though middle-income countries like India have traditionally been counted among nations with an underweight population, India has recently broken into the ranks of the top 5 obese countries in the world. According to the latest National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5), nearly 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight or obese (BMI of 25 or more).

So why is this a cause of worry in the medical community and for us in general? According to WHO,excess weight has contributed to over 2.8 million deaths in 2021 from non-communicable diseases that include cardiovascular/ heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and cancer among others.

We’ll discuss here how obesity and heart disease are linked in particular.

What causes excessive weight gain or obesity?

• Poor dietary choices and consumption of processed and “junk foods.”
• Lack of regular exercise
• Sugar and fat content of everyday food
• Genetic predisposition: Asians and Indians, in particular, are prone to fat collection around the belly. Collection of belly fat is more dangerous than weight anywhere else in the body. This is why Indians, and other people prone to central obesity, should consider using a BMI point of 23 instead of 25 to measure obesity.
• Stress
• Lack of good-quality sleep
• Misleading food labelling that market unhealthy foods as healthy or at least harmless food.

The weight-heart disease connection

Excess body fat, especially around the waist/ belly, is risky for your health. Most people tend to worry about visible fat, the fat that sits under the skin (subcutaneous fat). The bigger health risk comes from the fat that sits around our internal organs such as the heart and liver – visceral fat.

Visceral fat significantly increases risk factors that are closely associated with heart/ cardiovascular and circulatory diseases.

There are three major ways in which being overweight/ obese is dangerous for your heart:

1. Obesity increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke

Excess weight increases cholesterol levels in the blood, especially the harmful kind known as LDL cholesterol. When you are overweight, there is a tendency for cholesterol (plaque) to build up in your arteries and clog them. This can cause your arteries to become blocked and damaged, restricting proper blood flow to your heart. This condition is known as coronary artery disease.

This relationship is direct – obesity increases the risk of heart disease by 28%. A blockage in your arteries can cause a heart attack unexpectedly. If this blockage occurs in an artery going to your brain, you can suffer from a stroke or vascular dementia.

2. Obesity is the leading risk factor for type-2 diabetes

Carrying weight around your middle makes it harder for your body to use insulin and control glucose (sugar) levels in your blood. High sugar levels in your blood can damage arteries and significantly increase the risk of heart and circulatory diseases. In fact, obesity accounts for 80-85% of the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Type-2 diabetes, in turn, increases the risk of heart disease by two to four times. If you have diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed with heart disease, it is very important that you begin to control your weight immediately.

3. Obesity can cause high blood pressure

As your body weight increases, so can your blood pressure. Overweight people need a greater blood supply to provide oxygen and nutrients to parts of the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure or hypertension is a common cause of heart attacks, which are more common in overweight people.

Lowering your weight and heart risk

You should be concerned about excess weight even if you have not been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes. There may be “silent” heart damage at play that is simply not symptomatic yet.

The following can help you lower your heart risk:

• Control or lose weight if you are overweight (BMI > 25). Reducing excess weight is the best long-term strategy to reduce heart risk or risk of heart failure.
• Regularly test and monitor your key heart-risk indicators such as BMI, blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol (HDL, LDL, and total).
• If you are obese, watch out for signs typical of heart failure. These symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heart rhythms (heartbeats that you can feel).
• Every gram of weight loss helps. For every 5-point increase in your BMI points, the risk of heart failure increases by 32%.

The link between excess weight and heart health is direct – obesity increases the risk of heart disease significantly. Though you may find the medical advice to eat healthy, exercise, and lose weight an overused trope, it is sound advice when it comes to the health of your heart. Your doctors understand that it is not easy to lose weight with the trappings of our modern, mostly sedentary lives. However, you must know that every bit of weight you lose reduces your risk of developing heart disease. The Sagar Heart and Vascular Institute has the best cardiologists in Bangalore. Consult our experts to know more about how obesity can affect your cardiovascular weight and how to control your heart risk.

Dealing with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle (myocardium) and consequently impairs heart function. This muscular thickening most commonly occurs at the septum, the wall separating the lower left and right chambers of the heart (ventricles).

The thickened septum can create problems in two ways:

• The thickened walls can become stiff, reducing the amount of blood that the ventricle can hold and pump out of the heart with every heartbeat. This is known as nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• The thickened septum can create a narrowing that can reduce or block blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can cause the ventricles to pump much harder to overcome the narrowing or blockage. This is known as obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms

Some people do not show any symptoms of HCM until diagnosed or until they feel its effects after exercise or exertion. Out of these, the majority have obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the rest havenonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Signs and symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy include:

• Shortness of breath, particularly during exercise/ exertion.
• Chest pain, particularly during exercise/ exertion.
• Abnormal heartbeats or palpitations (heartbeats that you can feel).
• Dizziness or light-headedness, particularly during exercise/ exertion.
• Fatigue

Risks and complications

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common kind of genetic heart disease and is largely passed down the generations. Having a parent who suffers from HCM increases your chances of having inherited the condition by 50%. Parents, siblings, and children of people with diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should be screened at the earliest.

Unless the heart is put under stress, patients of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy don’t have major health issues to worry about. However, complications listed below can occur:

• Atrial fibrillation: This can affect the heart’s electrical system and cause irregular heartbeats. It can also increase the chances of blood clots and stroke.
• Blocked flow of blood
• Problems with the mitral valve: This can cause blood being pumped out of the heart to leak back in, worsening symptoms.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: The pumping ability of the heart becomes weaker.
• Heart failure: The ability of the heart to perform its function is compromised and worsens over time.
• Sudden cardiac arrest

Diagnosis and tests

Since HCM is an inherited disease, your doctor will perform several investigations to diagnose the condition correctly. These include:

• Family and medical history: Your doctor will check and ask questions about your family history to spot patterns of cardiac events such as cardiac arrests, family history of HCM, and heart failure.
• Physical examination to check and listen for problems with blood flow.
• Echocardiogram: This test is most commonly used to diagnose HCM and find signs of muscle thickening. This may be done along a treadmill test to check how well your heart is pumping blood in the form of an exercise stress test.
• Electrocardiogram: This test is conducted with electrodes/ sensors placed on your chest to check for abnormal heart rhythms and signs of muscular thickening in the heart.
• Cardiac MRI

Treatment

The primary focus of HCM treatment is to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and to relieve symptoms of the condition.

• Medication

Medication helps reduce the strain on your heart to pump blood and how strongly the heart muscle must squeeze to perform its function. These include:

• Beta-blockers to reduce blood pressure.
• Heart rhythm drugs to reduce irregular heartbeats.
• Blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
• Calcium channel blockers to reduce strong contractions in the heart and arteries.
• Surgical procedures

Several surgical interventions are available to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and its symptoms. They include:

• Septal myectomy: The open-heart surgery is performed to remove the thickened and overgrown septum separating the two heart chambers.
• Septal ablation: Alcohol is injected with a catheter to kill the overgrown heart tissue and reduce muscle thickening.
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): The ICD is a small device that is implanted in your chest to continuously monitor the heartbeat. In case an abnormal heart rhythm occurs, calibrated electric shocks are provided to the heart to restore regular heart rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

Lifestyle changes to manage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Your doctor may suggest certain lifestyle changes or guidelines to reduce the risk of complications of HCM and manage its symptoms. These include:

• Exercise as recommended and with caution (avoid high-intensity sports)
• Eat a heart-friendly and balanced diet
• Maintain healthy body weight.
• Control diabetes
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Stop or don’t start smoking
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly
• Manage stress whenever possible

Overall, most people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) live long and normal lives without serious complications or disruptions to their regular lifestyles. However, people with serious symptoms and who are at risk of heart complications such as sudden cardiac arrest and heart failure must manage the condition carefully and a treatment plan must be made by their cardiologists. It is very important that your health care providers identify any risks in time and provide preventive treatment. If you are worried about the risks of HCM, have developed symptoms, or have been diagnosed recently, reach out to the best cardiologists in Bangalore at the Sagar Heart and Vascular Institute to improve your quality of life and take control of your heart health.

What is the difference between a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest?

Often, the terms heart attack and cardiac arrest are used synonymously. However, these are two different things. A heart attack, in short, happens when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. A sudden cardiac arrest, on the other hand, occurs when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating.

To understand these two conditions better, let’s take a closer look at them: their symptoms, and what you should do if you find a person suffering from either of these emergency conditions.

HeartAttack

A person suffers from a heart attack when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The most common cause for this blockage is a blood clot or a build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Oxygen is vital for the heart muscle. When the flow of oxygen-rich blood is blocked, the muscle begins to die if the condition is left untreated. The longer the condition goes untreated, the greater the damage to the heart. This is why someone suffering from a heart attack needs to be taken into surgery as fast as possible to remove the obstruction and restore blood flow.

The symptoms leading up to the actual attack may begin much earlier, growing gradually over hours, days, or weeks. The heart may continue to beat but deteriorate further due to the reduced flow of oxygen-rich blood from arterial blockage.

The symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain: Tightness in the centre of the chest that persists even after resting.
• Shortness of breath
• The chest pain spreading to other parts of the body, including the jaw, neck, back, arms, and abdomen.
• Sweating
• Feeling anxious
• Coughing
• Weakness and light-headedness
• Palpitations

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

While in a heart attack the heart may continue beating, though disrupted and in reduced function, in a sudden cardiac arrest the heart suddenly stops beating entirely.

A sudden cardiac arrest happens suddenly and usually without any warning. An electrical malfunction in the heart triggers an arrythmia, an irregular heartbeat. With the heart not pumping blood,blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs stops. A person suffering a sudden cardiac arrest loses consciousness within seconds and soon has no pulse. Unless treatment is received within minutes, the victim generally suffers death.

The symptoms suffered by a person during a cardiac arrest are alarmingly straightforward:

• No breathing
• No pulse

However, there may be a few warning signs leading up to a sudden cardiac arrest. These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Weakness and dizziness
• Palpitations

Are these two conditions related?

While there is no definite cause and effect relationship between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest, there definitely is strong correlation. Most heart attacks do not cause cardiac arrests. But when cardiac arrests do occur, they are often preceded by heart attacks. A sudden cardiac arrest can happen after a heart attack or during the recovery period.

Cardiac arrest can occur due to other cardiac conditions such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmia.

What you should do: Heart Attack

• Call an ambulance immediately. The patient must be taken into surgery as fast as possible for the arterial blockage to be removed.
• If the person is conscious, have him/ her chew aspirin immediately.
• If the patient is an existing heart patient, nitroglycerine tablets should be administered sublingually.
• If the person is unconscious, perform CPR. If there is an automatic defibrillator (AED) available, start following the instructions on the device.

What you should do: Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• A person can be rescued from a sudden cardiac arrest if it is treated within a few minutes. Therefore, call an ambulance immediately.
• Begin CPR and continue till professional emergency personnel arrive. In the absence of an AED, CPR can double or triple the chances of a person’s survival.
• If there is an automatic defibrillator (AED) available, start following the instructions on the device.

Though seemingly similar, heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests in different in terms of lethality.As per a multinational coronary disease study, about 8%-17% of heart attacks are fatal.The fatality rates of sudden cardiac arrests, however, are very high – 95%. Most people who suffer a heart attack or a sudden cardiac arrest survive if they receive help very quickly. Most fatalities occur because the person is alone, the people around did not know CPR or call emergency medical help, or if the emergency medical help does not arrive within the 10 minutes to avoid brain death. Though such statistics may seem discouraging, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet with low sugar and oil, and avoiding habits such as smoking and drinking go a long way in preventing heart disease and cutting the risks of heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrests. For more information regarding your heart health and risks of heart attacks or sudden cardiac disorders, book an appointment with the best cardiologists in Bangalore at the Sagar Hospitals.

What are stents and when are they used?

To understand what stents are and for what purpose they are used in surgical procedures, we first must understand what coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis are.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease develops when the arteries supplying blood to your heart (coronary arteries) become clogged, damaged, or diseased due to the build-up of cholesterol (plaque) and calcium deposits. Build-up of plaque causes the passageway of your arteries to narrow and block over time, reducing the blood flow to the heart muscles. This condition of coronary arteries hardening from cholesterol or plaque deposits in the inner walls is called atherosclerosis.

Symptoms

A cardiologist may suspect atherosclerosis if the patient suffers from symptoms similar to a heart attack or angina. These include:

• Crushing chest pain or a burning sensation in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the shoulder or arms
• Sweating
• Neck or jaw pain (in women)

Surgical procedures to restore and improve blood flow

The first line of treatment for atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease is attempted through medication. However, more aggressive treatment may be required in cases when patients suffer from serious symptoms. They include:

• Coronary artery bypass surgery:

  The surgeon creates a graft from another blood vessel in the body to bypass the blocked coronary artery. Stitching the blood vessel above and below the narrowed or blocked artery allows blood to flow around it. This open-heart surgery is reserved for patients with multiple blocked coronary arteries.

• Angioplasty and stent placement (percutaneous coronary revascularisation):

  For the elderly or patients with other health conditions who cannot bear the strain of open-heart surgery, the minimally-invasive procedure known as percutaneous coronary revascularisation (PCI) or, simply, angioplasty with stents is employed. We will discuss this procedure in greater detail below.

What is angioplasty with stents and how is it used?

During a PCI or an angioplasty with stent placement procedure, the heart surgeon inserts a long, narrow tube (a catheter) into the blocked artery. Here, a metal mesh, also known as a stent, is passed along the tube with a deflated balloon to the blocked or narrowed area of the artery. The balloon is then inflated, pushing open the metal coil into the inner walls of the blocked artery. This pushes out the plaque causing the blockage against the inner walls and opens up the artery. In time, arterial tissue grows around the stent, keeping it in place.

Stenting technology is advancing continually, and now medicated stents are employed that release medication into the arteries that prevent the stent from narrowing and clogging from scar tissue at the site of the stent application.

When is stenting used?

A number of factors decide when stenting is to be used for a patient with coronary artery disease. They include:

• To improve blood flow immediately following a heart attack.
• Unlike coronary artery bypass surgery, stenting is ideal when there are just 1 or 2 blockages and they are minor.
• If the blockage is in one or more of the 3 major coronary arteries, stenting is not an option and a bypass surgery must be performed.
• For the elderly, stenting is recommended if medication is ineffective. Coronary artery bypass is generally not advised for elderly patients as they cannot bear the strain of the surgery.
• Stenting is not recommended for patients suffering from comorbidities such as diabetes, heart valve disease, kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, a prior incident of heart attack, or stroke. For them, a coronary artery bypass is the best option.
• Patients with a weak heart or those in a frail condition cannot bear the strain of open-heart surgery. For them, a coronary artery bypass is not an option, and stenting is recommended.

Post-procedural care

To mitigate the increased risk of clotting in the operated artery after stenting, treatment with anti-platelet/ anti-clotting drugs and blood thinners is needed for a prescribed period. It is important that the patient understands the dosage and duration of the medication and that medication is not altered or stopped without consulting the cardiologist.

Do stents cure coronary artery disease?

Stents are not a cure for coronary artery disease and do not reduce its risks. The stent will simply prevent the blocked or narrowed artery from restricting blood flow to the heart for a certain period after the procedure.

To control coronary artery disease, risks such as smoking, hypertension, and high bad cholesterol (LDL) must be controlled. Lifestyle changes that include being physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, and not smoking can prevent plaque from building up in your arteries.

Recovery from an angioplasty with stents is usually quick and most patients can resume normal activities within days. Some patients may experience bruising, but that is temporary. Sagar Heart and Vascular Institute has the best cardiologists in Bangalore. Consult our cardiologists to have a clear understanding of the benefits and risks of stent implementation.

Common Diseases of the Digestive System & Their Treatment

The digestive system (also known as the gastrointestinal system) is a group of organs that collectively absorb nutrients and expel waste. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract includes the stomach, oesophagus, liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, and gallbladder.

Medical conditions or disorders of the GI tract are known as digestive disorders, problems that affect millions around the world every year. Digestive diseases are largely divided into two categories:

• Structural GI disorders: Organic or structural GI abnormalities prevent the digestive system from functioning normally.
• Functional GI disorders: The GI tract has a normal structure but does not function normally due to various factors.

Digestive disturbances can present themselves as a host of symptoms, from cramps to bleeding. Many of these issues resolve by themselves and pass with time without creating additional health risks. However, even common symptoms such as stomach pains can have complicated underlying causes.

Knowing the symptoms of common digestive diseases can help people identify them and seek relevant treatment at the correct time.

These are common digestive diseases and their treatment:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

The contents of your stomach coming back up your oesophagus with stomach acids is called gastroesophageal reflux. While this is a relatively common occurrence, if you suffer this problem for longer durations, it may be the symptom of a more severe and long-term condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD commonly presents itself as heartburn or regurgitation. A more serious complication is the erosion of the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach) with the recurring regurgitation of stomach acids.

Causes of GERD include:

• Dietary factors: Certain foods such as caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea), chocolate, alcohol, and dietary fats can induce heartburn.
• Cigarette smoking
• Hiatus hernia: A portion of the stomach is pushed up the diaphragm and stays in that position.

Symptoms of GERD include:

• Regurgitation of stomach contents (sour liquids)
• Heartburn (burning sensation in your chest)
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Nausea
• Bad breath
• Chest pain

Treatments for GERD include:

• Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication to manage symptoms
• Weight loss if overweight
• Avoiding foods and drinks that exacerbate the condition
• Eating food 2-3 hours before sleeping/ lying down

Diarrhoea

Watery, unformed, or loose stools more than three or more times a day is known as diarrhoea. Acute diarrhoea (lasting less than 14 days) is a lot more common than chronic diarrhoea. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and malabsorption.

Causes of acute diarrhoea include:

• The most common cause is gastroenteritis, the infection of the intestine by viruses, bacteria, parasites such as tapeworms, or contaminated food.
• Food poisoning
• Water-borne diseases such as typhoid and cholera
• Stress and anxiety
• Certain medications
• Alcohol consumption

Symptoms of diarrhoea include:

• Cramps and pain in the abdominal region
• Urgent trips to the toilet
• Frequent loose and watery stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Treatments for diarrhoea include:

• Oral rehydration drinks such as ORS (oral rehydration salts) to prevent dehydration.
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Antibiotics as prescribed
• Anti-diarrhoeal medication as prescribed
• Intravenous replacement of fluids in extreme cases of dehydration

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms caused by an irritable digestive tract and characterised by frequent abdominal pain, bloating, and change in bowel movements (at least 3 times a month) for several months.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be split into 3 main categories:

• Diarrhoea-predominant: The patient suffers from frequent loose stools/ diarrhoea. The urge to go to the toilet can be urgent and in extreme cases also result in incontinence.
• Constipation-predominant: Bowel movements alternate between normal stools and constipation.
• Alternating diarrhoea and constipation

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include:

• FODMAPs: Foods such as poorly absorbed carbohydrates such as FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are a common trigger of IBS. These include carbohydrate “sugars” such as lactose, sorbitol, and fructose.
• Infection of the intestine or gastroenteritis can cause IBS long after the infection has passed.
• Stress and anxiety can affect the bowels of susceptible people.
• Medication such as certain OTC painkillers, antacids, and antibiotics can cause diarrhoea or constipation.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include:

• Abdominal pain that makes the patient gassy and susceptible to frequent visits to the toilet.
• Constipation and diarrhoea, which may occur together.
• Bloating and a distended abdomen
• Bowels not feeling emptied after passing motions.

Treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include:

• Low FODMAP diet that includes less gas-producing foods.
• A diet with high amounts of fibre.
• Antispasmodic medication to ease cramping of the abdomen.
• Laxatives to treat cases of constipation.
• Anti-diarrhoeal medication for diarrhoea-predominant IBS.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and psychological therapy: While tricyclic antidepressants are effective in treating infrequent bowel movements, bloating, and even pain, their use is not indicative of anxiety or depression.
• Pelvic floor therapy to help the patient improve the ability to defecate effectively.

Celiac disease:

Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder of the small intestine. People suffering from this condition are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, oats, barley, and rye. Consuming products such as bread, cakes, noodles, cereal and other foods that generally contain gluten damages the lining of the small intestine and can cause inflammation in other parts of the body too. Celiac disease damages the mucosal lining of the small intestine. The inflammation in the small intestine arising from a reaction to gluten significantly reduces the surface area of the small intestine that can absorp nutrients and minerals. This can cause nutritional deficiencies.

Celiac disease can be dangerous to you if it is left undiagnosed and untreated. Complications from untreated celiac disease include:

• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Depression
• Increased risk of certain cancers such as lymphoma of the small bowel.

Causes and risk factors of celiac disease include:

• A genetic predisposition is the primary underlying cause of celiac disease. “Celiac genes” and symptoms can then be triggered by environmental factors.
• Close relatives (first degree) with celiac disease is a sign of higher risk associated with having the condition.
• High levels of liver enzymes with no apparent cause.
• Autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid condition.
• Down’s syndrome
• Early onset of osteoporosis.

Symptoms associated with celiac disease can often be mistaken for those of irritable bowel syndrome, stress, or just getting older.

Symptoms of celiac disease include:

• Flatulence and bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Anaemia
• Weakness and fatigue
• Tiredness
• Weight loss (in rare cases weight gain is also possible)
• Signs of nutrient malabsorption

Treatments for celiac disease include:

• Medicative treatments do not exist for celiac disease yet. The current treatment plan is a strict diet of non-gluten or gluten-free food. This means reading labels or ingredient lists of packaged foods.
• Eat natural, whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh unprocessed eggs, meats, and fish, legumes, dairy foods, seeds, nuts, and grains such as quinoa, corn, bajra (pearl millet), and jowar (sorghum).
• Avoid foods that contain gluten as a main ingredient. Bread, breakfast cereals, biscuits, cakes, pizza, pasta, chapatis, and wheat-based noodles are some examples of such foods.
• Try to avoid foods that may contain gluten from either indirect sources or cross-contamination. Certain sauces, malted drinks (Bournvita, Milo, Horlicks), soups, gravies, soy sauce, ice cream, custard powder, beer, and confectionery may contain gluten.

Digestive diseases range from common to rare. They can also have common symptoms, making their diagnosis difficult. Some common symptoms of digestive problems are diarrhoea, pain, constipation, heartburn, and nausea. Some patients may also require detailed diagnostic evaluations including lab tests, ultrasounds, and even endoscopic procedures. A fibre-rich diet that includes low gas-producing substances can help you maintain regular bowel movements. The decision of when to contact a doctor can be a tricky one because digestive issues are quite common in our lives today. However, digestive diseases can be chronic and signal other underlying issues in your body. To know if your digestive symptoms warrant a deeper investigation, what risks you face, and treatments available for your digestive problem(s), consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

Bloating and Burning in the Stomach: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

The feeling of burning, gnawing, full, or uncomfortable sensation in your stomach during or after a meal isn’t very unfamiliar. This may be accompanied by feeling bloated, along with burping and gassiness. Generally, such occurrence of indigestion or dyspepsia is intermittent. However, this condition of functional dyspepsia is commonly long-lasting and indicative of an underlying gastrointestinal or lifestyle problem. Several things can cause burning and bloating in your stomach, but thankfully, these can be identified and there are ways to treat them. What are the symptoms that you may be experiencing?

• Bloating
• Cramping in the abdominal area
• Burping
• Gassiness
• Growling and burning sensation in your stomach
• An uncomfortable fullness after or even during your meal
• Pain in your belly
• A bitter, acidic taste in your mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting (in extreme cases)

These symptoms may be worsened by stress or anxiety. You may also experience indigestion with acidity or heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest due to stomach acids rising up your oesophagus. What causes discomfort in your stomach? 1.Gastritis Excessive acidity in your stomach can cause inflammation of your stomach lining. This leads to the sensation of burning in the stomach. You may also feel:

• An uncomfortable fullness in the stomach after meals.
• Nausea
• Vomiting

2.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/ Acid reflux Stomach acids flowing up the food pipe to your oesophagus is called acid reflux or GERD. During reflux, you may feel:

• A burning sensation in your stomach or chest
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Difficulty in swallowing

3.Certain foods triggering a reaction Certain foods can affect you in a way that leads to symptoms similar to GERD or acid reflux. These foods can also worsen existing GERD. Foods that can trigger gastrointestinal problems are:

• Dairy: People who are lactose intolerant cannot digest dairy products well. This can lead to bloating, burning in the stomach, diarrhoea, and gas.
• Gluten: People with gluten intolerance are not able to digest foods with gluten, a protein found in foods such as wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
• Alcohol: Can irritate the stomach lining, intestine, and digestive tract and cause burning in the stomach and gastritis.
• Caffeine/ caffeinated foods, fatty and fried foods, chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, certain substances like mint flavouring, and certain vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers can cause excessive acidity in the stomach and irritate your stomach lining to cause GERD-like symptoms.

4.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a common intestinal disorder that causes stomach burning and abdominal pain. It can also cause:

• Diarrhoea
• Cramping and bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Constipation

5.H. Pylori infection Heliobacter pylori (H. Pylori) is a bacterial infection of the stomach. The infection rapidly increases acid levels in the stomach and can cause:

• Severe cramping
• Excessive acidity
• Burning in the stomach
• Bloating, gas
• Frequent burping
• Nausea

Unless treated, H. pylori can very quickly develop antibiotic resistance. Consequently, it is a leading cause of stomach ulcers and also increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. 6.Gastroparesis A condition that is common with diabetics, gastroparesis occurs when food stays in the stomach for too long and the stomach doesn’t empty properly. This can cause:

• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Pain in the belly
• Burning and feeling uneasy in the stomach
• Vomiting undigested food
• Upset stomach

7.Ulcers Ulcers are sores that develop in the upper part of the intestines and in the stomach lining. The most common symptom is stomach burn. This is usually accompanied by:

• Burping
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Feeling very full
• Nausea

8.Medications Certain medicines can cause stomach burning and gastrointestinal problems. These include:

• Non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs): Pain medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and other pain relievers.
• Oestrogen and birth control medicine
• Steroid medication
• Certain antibiotics
• Thyroid medicines

9.Lifestyle factors and eating habits Habits related to your lifestyle can trigger burning and bloating in your stomach and worsen other gastrointestinal problems. These include:

• Smoking
• Frequent consumption of alcohol
• Stress
• High-fat foods and an unhealthy diet
• Eating too much food or too fast, especially under stress

Treatment for bloating and burning in the stomach Stomach discomfort that does not resolve by itself within a few days requires a medical intervention by a doctor. Your gastroenterologist may ask you detailed questions about your symptoms, habits, and diet. The doctor may also perform a physical exam, a stool test, an x-ray, or an endoscopy (a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your stomach using a camera fitted to a long tube) to diagnose you accurately. Your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your gastrointestinal issue.

• Gastritis, acid reflux, IBS, and ulcers: Your doctor will prescribe you medication to relieve your symptoms. Some of these problems can be alleviated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as well.
• Gastroparesis: Your doctor will prescribe you medication to stimulate stomach muscles and also to control nausea/ vomiting.
• H. pylori infection: Following a diagnosis by an endoscopy or a breath test, your doctor will immediately put you on a course of antibiotics and medication to control your symptoms of acidity.
• NSAID-triggered symptoms: If your doctor deduces that your symptoms are caused by NSAIDs, you will be recommended alternate pain relievers such as paracetamol.

Preventing indigestion, burning, and bloating Taking preventive measures to avoid foods or lifestyle habits that trigger burning and bloating are effective ways to prevent stomach pain. You should:

• Eat slowly, relax, and take your time to chew your food.
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals that do not tax your stomach too much.
• Limit the consumption of oily, fried, and greasy food.
• Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, especially in case you suffer from lactose intolerance and celiac disease (gluten intolerance).
• Limit your consumption of spicy foods.
• Avoid foods that are highly acidic in nature, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes.
• Avoid drinks and food that contain caffeine.
• Manage stress with therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.
• Stop or avoid smoking.
• Limit or avoid your alcohol consumption.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Wait at least 2-3 hours after your meal before sleeping or lying down for a long duration.
• To avoid night time symptoms, elevate your head while sleeping. Instead of raising your pillow (which might actually put added pressure on your stomach and worsen heartburn), it is advised to raise the legs of the head posts of your bed by around 6 inches.

Burning and bloating in the stomach is a common problem caused by underlying gastrointestinal problems, medication, certain foods, and lifestyle problems. Though these triggers can have similar symptoms, these problems can be treated by identifying the cause. You should not ignore the symptoms of a burning or bloated stomach if it occurs persistently. It is important to reach out to your doctor or a gastroenterologist to correctly and timely diagnose your problem and start a treatment plan. Book an appointment to consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

10 Health Tips to Prevent Digestive Problems

As we age past the robust health of our youth, certain health problems start appearing on the horizon of our everyday attention. Digestive problems are one of them. Though not seemingly debilitating, digestion problems can definitely disrupt daily activities and make you think twice about taking an unplanned trip if you suffer from them.

So, what determines the health of this system that keeps us running? The food you eat and your daily lifestyle have a direct impact on the health of your digestive system. Over time, factors such as lack of activity, medications, and every day habits can take their toll and contribute to digestive issues. When there is something that disturbs your digestive system, you will most likely experience unpleasant symptoms. While some problems require a visit to your gastroenterologist, others may be related to your lifestyle and can be prevented.

Taking caution and steps to improve your digestive health can not only protect and improve your long-term digestive function, but have a positive impact on your overall health as well.

The following are some effective strategies and tips to help prevent digestive problems:

1. Track and avoid triggers that create digestive problems for you

Various things, that vary from person to person, can trigger digestive problems. You will have to identify what kinds of eating patterns, habits, and foods trigger digestive issues for you in particular. For some people, tricky foods can be dairy. For others, it can be gluten. Coffee, fizzy/ carbonated drinks, and dairy products are common causes for gas and diarrhoea.

Over the counter or prescription medication can also cause digestive upsets. Since such triggers can vary from person to person, it is best to track your diet and medication to identify your personal triggers. For instance, you can try an elimination diet to identify foods that irritate your digestive tract. You can also talk to your doctor to help identify any potential allergies and other food sensitivities. Inquire about any known side effects of any medication you are currently on to see if that is the culprit.

Certain activities such as travel and events such as menstrual hormones can affect your digestion also. If you suspect a connection, start taking note of foods and drinks, medication or supplements, and daily activities and events. You may start finding correlations between these tracked factors and digestive issues.

2. Make fibre a major portion of your diet

Fibre-rich food is highly beneficial to digestive function. Fibre adds bulk to your stool and keeps it moving smoothly through your digestive tract. A high-fibre diet is a key component in alleviating and preventing constipation. Increasing fibre intake prevents gas, bloating, and diarrhoea. A fibre-rich diet also helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria that play a big role in the overall health of your digestive system. So, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes can help improve your digestive health and prevent many digestive ailments such as heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, gas, nausea, and intestinal cramps.

3. Incorporate both soluble and insoluble fibre

You may have heard of soluble fibre with its growing popularity in food trends. It is a reputation, that is thankfully, well earned. Though dietary fibre is part of food that mostly passes through your system without being broken down too much, it plays an important role in our digestive function. In addition, fibres play an important role in maintaining healthy body weight.

Dietary fibre is of two kinds: soluble and insoluble fibre; both have unique benefits.

• Soluble fibre, mostly in the form of gums and plant pectin, dissolves in water into a gel-like substance in our digestive tract and aids in digestion by bulking up watery stools. Soluble fibre helps in regulating blood glucose levels and reduces the risk of diabetes. It also helps reduce cholesterol in the blood and is heart-friendly. Good sources of soluble fibre are nuts, seeds, legumes (kidney, black, and lima beans), fruits (avocado, apricots, pears), and vegetables (carrots, turnips, ladies fingers).
• Insoluble fibre, also called roughage, helps food pass through your digestive system with less strain and helps improve bowel regularity and health. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes. Good sources of insoluble fibre are whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Drink adequate water

Water is essential for good health and bowel function. It helps cleanse the digestive system and prevents constipation by softening stools. It aids the digestive function by helping break down food and improving the absorption of nutrients by your body. Drinking plenty of water will help you avoid dehydration and help you stay hydrated if you are suffering from diarrhoea.

Your aim should be to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. However, you should avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks – they can make digestive problems worse. Also, to prevent ‘traveller’s diarrhoea,’ drink water from known sources when you’re on the road to avoid contaminated water. Stick to sipping on bottled or filtered water.

5. Consider a probiotic

Consider incorporating probiotics into your diet. Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that live naturally in your digestive tract. They are the ‘good’ bacteria that help your body function well and also fight the ‘bad’ bacteria.

They combat the ill effects of a poor diet, stress, and antibiotics. Probiotics can help break down lactose, strengthen your immune system, help treat IBS, and improve nutrient absorption. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kombucha (fermented tea) and kefir (fermented dairy drink) are good sources of probiotics.

6. Be active and exercise regularly

Regular physical activity has many bodily benefits which include maintaining a healthy weight, the most well-known use of exercise. But getting at least 150 minutes of muscle-strengthening and cardiovascular exercise every week will do more than get you on track of an overall healthy lifestyle. Exercise can, in fact, help maintain a healthy digestive function and aid bowel regularity by preventing issues such as constipation. Further, maintaining a healthy body weight can also aid your digestive system.

7. Limit foods high in fat

It is no secret that high-fat food or foods with high amounts of saturated fats are bad for you. They increase blood cholesterol, increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, hypertension, and have many debilitating effects on your body.

Unsurprisingly, fatty foods complicate normal digestive activity also. Fatty foods strain the digestive process and slow it down. That is why digesting fatty foods when you have an upset stomach is much harder. They also make you prone to constipation. However, it is important to get healthy or good fats, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids, in your diet, and accompanying such food with high-fibre foods will help in easy digestion.

8. Manage stress

Stress can cause and aggravate gastrointestinal problems. In fact, research has found that digestive problems are one of the most common symptoms of anxiety and stress. Stress can cause a host of digestive issues such as loss of appetite, bloating, cramping, and inflammation.

Practicing stress-relieving activities such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and hobbies can reduce long-term or chronic stress and help alleviate many long-standing gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, indigestion, and diarrhoea.

9. Avoid or stop bad habits

Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption and smoking interfere with digestion and can cause many common disorders of the digestive system. Smoking can contribute to acid reflux/ heartburn, stomach ulcers, liver disease and can increase the risk of gallstones. Alcohol consumption can cause bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Drinking large quantities of alcohol regularly affects your gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and proteins and reduces the secretion of digestive enzymes into your gastrointestinal tract.

10. Maintain a regular eating schedule

Eating your meals on a set schedule can help your digestive system stay healthy and aid in the regular flow of your digestive secretions. Look to have meals such as breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner around the same time every day. Eating several small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones can also prevent digestive strain that large meals can cause.

Digestive problems can be an embarrassment as well as an impediment to daily activities. You are definitely not alone if you suffer from them regularly. Changing unhealthy habits and inculcating healthy diet and lifestyle changes can be powerful steps towards improving digestive health. If you are experiencing any symptoms related to digestion that warrant a visit to a specialist, or want to know more about the risks, treatments, and various procedures related to digestive conditions, consult the best gastroenterologists in Bangalore at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Sagar Hospitals.

Varicose veins – Medical Treatments

Varicose veins do not require invasive interventions in most cases. Your doctor may prescribe you over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to alleviate painful symptoms of this condition. However, if you have persistent pain that does not have obvious physical signs or if you notice the discoloration in the area around the varicose vein, there may be deep vein involvement.

After the vascular surgeon diagnoses varicose veins, conservative options will be explored in the beginning. These options include home remedies, such as exercise, changes in diet, leg elevation, and avoiding standing or sitting for long durations, that improve blood circulation in your lower body. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or socks/ wraps of a certain grade, depending on the level of pressure required.

If your condition is still not improving, the next course of action may be to perform a procedure to correct the venous reflux.

How are varicose veins treated?

Like tributaries/ smaller channels feeding the main waters of a river, shorter veins connect to a longer, larger, and deeper main vein called the saphenous vein. Most varicose veins connect to the saphenous vein directly or indirectly through tributaries/ branches. That is why complete treatment of varicose veins cannot happen until the reflux within the saphenous vein is not corrected; doing so would be like trimming the ends of tree branches when trying to fix the whole tree.

All veins with reflux, including the tributaries, the saphenous, and the affected varicose veins must be treated systematically in planned phases or at once during treatment sessions. The deeper and the largest veins need to be treated first.

Various medical procedures are conducted to treat varicose veins depending on the depth and severity of the condition.

Medical treatment procedures for varicose veins

• Endovenous thermal ablation (laser and radiofrequency therapy):

  For treating the saphenous (main trunk) vein a procedure called endovenous thermal ablation is recommended. This is also known as endovenous laser therapy (ELVT) when a laser is used and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) when a radiofrequency is employed. A small incision is made to insert a laser fibre (for ELVT) or a catheter (for RFA) into the vein. The laser or radiofrequency is then used to heat up the refluxing vein, causing it to collapse and seal. The heat energy does not affect or harm the surrounding area. This treatment usually requires multiple procedures.

  RFA is used to treat varicosity in the larger saphenous veins. ELVT is used to treat spider veins or smaller varicose veins.

• Sclerotherapy (injection therapy):

  To treat the tributaries and varicose veins sclerotherapy injections are recommended. Over time, sclerotherapy has become one of the most common procedures to treat varicose veins. These procedures are conducted, at times with ultrasound guidance, by injecting a solution into your veins. The solution irritates the walls of the vein, making them stick together. The vein collapses and turns into scar tissue, eventually fading away.

Micro sclerotherapy:

Very small varicose veins or spider veins are treated using micro sclerotherapy. A very fine needle is used to inject the spider vein with a chemical substance called a sclerosant. The sclerosant scars the inner lining of the spider vein, causing the vein to closes off.

Ambulatory phlebectomy:

Prominent varicose veins can be treated with a procedure known as ambulatory phlebectomy. Ambulatory phlebectomy is most commonly used to remove varicose veins closest to the surface of your skin. Here, the vascular surgeon makes a series of very small cuts or incisions into the skin to remove varicose veins. This procedure can be performed in combination with sclerotherapy or endovenous thermal ablation procedure or in a combination of both. This treatment requires no stitches and is conducted in regular office settings.

Vein stripping and ligation

The vascular surgeon may choose to tie off the varicose veins to stop the pooling of blood and arrest the build-up of pressure. This is known as ligation. The veins may also be removed (or stripped) to prevent the varicose veins from reappearing.

What is the outlook after the endovascular medical procedures treating varicose veins?

• These procedures are conducted under anaesthesia and are not painful.
• A compression sock will most probably be put on each leg.
• The treatment areas may be itchy or appear bruised for a few days after the treatment – this is normal. The veins themselves may appear darker or more pronounced after the treatment. However, this will pass over a few weeks.
• To avoid side-effects of the procedures, you are advised to wear the compression garments/ socks as instructed by your doctor. Most patients are advised to wear compression socks for 1-2 weeks. You are also advised to go on daily walks and undertake light exercise as advised by your doctor.
• In most cases, both the medical and cosmetic outcomes of the procedures for treating varicose veins have high success rates.

Advantages of endovascular surgery procedures for varicose veins

• Treatment is walk-in walk-out.
• You can return to work and most daily activities within 3 days.
• Most procedures do not leave scars and are painless.
• The chance of recurrence, though not zero, is minimal.
• The procedures are in daycare and can be performed in a clinic. They do not require you to be hospitalised.
• Procedures do not require you to be put under the influence of general anaesthesia.

Do varicose veins reappear after treatment?

Endovascular treatment for varicose veins is highly effective. However, varicose veins can return post-treatment.

There is a higher risk of varicose veins reappearing if:

• You have a sedentary lifestyle or if you are overweight.
• You become pregnant after a treatment procedure.

The results you want to see largely depend on the expertise of the endovascular surgeon treating you. Many medical advances have been made in endovascular surgery and simply stripping away varicose veins is not just the only treatment anymore. Though many cases of varicose veins get treated with conservative therapy options, some cases may require the intervention of medical procedures for long-lasting treatment. Endovascular surgeries provide this service safely with a high success rate. For more information about varicose veins, consult the best vascular surgeons in Bangalore at the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery in Sagar Hospitals.

Varicose veins – Diagnosis, Prevention, and Home Remedies

Why you shouldn’t ignore varicose veins

Some cases of varicose veins may not cause any non-visual symptoms at all. However, varicose veins neglected can cause painful and serious complications. These include:

• Inflammation of the veins: The vein may feel hardened and warm to the touch. The area can also appear red and cause burning.
• Leg ulcer: The failure of valves in veins may manifest as wound-like ulcers.
• Swelling in legs: Untreated varicose veins may cause fatigue, pain, and swelling in the ankles and legs.
• Pigmentation and skin changes: Skin at the affected site may become dry, itch, and even contract. People with thin or sensitive skin may experience eczema or chronic discolouration near the varicose veins.
• Thrombosis: Malfunctioning veins, in extreme cases, can result in clotting of blood in the veins, accompanied by sharp, shooting pain in the leg.
• Sudden bleeding from an untreated vein.

Diagnosing varicose veins

Your doctor will most likely conduct a physical examination of your legs and visible veins while you sit or stand and check if you are experiencing any pain.

In addition to this, your doctor may also conduct the following tests to check if your symptoms are being caused by other venous issues such as blockages and blood clots. These are:

• Ultrasound: This non-invasive test will reveal the flow of blood in your veins and check for markers of any complications.
• Venogram: A deeper assessment of your vein health can be performed by injecting a dye into your legs and then taking an X-ray to observe blood flow.

Prevention with lifestyle changes and treatment at home

Though there is no way to completely prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, there are some ways to reduce the risk of developing them or getting new ones. Improving blood circulation and the muscle tone in your legs can enhance the blood flow in your legs.

The measures and lifestyle habits that can be used to treat non-serious cases of varicose veins can also help you prevent them at home. These include:

1. Avoid sitting or standing for too long

Sitting or standing for long durations makes it harder for the blood to travel up your legs back towards the heart. This increases the pressure on the leg veins to pump/ push the blood harder against gravity towards your core. This can lead to blood pooling around your ankles and causing swelling in your legs.

This problem affects sedentary office-goers and workers who spend a lot of time on their feet alike. People who spend a lot of time working sitting down should take a break about every half hour to walk a bit, even if to the break room. Taking small breaks to walk will help improve blood circulation in your legs and reduce venous pressure.

If you are stuck at your workstation, you can perform small exercises sitting down, such as:

• Stretching your ankles
• Bending your knees and lifting them towards your core
• Paddling with your feet

On the other hand, if your job requires you to be standing for long times, take scheduled breaks and sit for a while to give your leg muscles some rest.

2. Adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours

Practicing healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent the occurrence of varicose veins or additional ones. These include:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity or being overweight can aggravate the pressure inside the veins of your legs and put increased stress on your leg muscles. Losing weight can not only help prevent varicose veins from forming, but also reduce the risk of other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
• Eat a healthy, low sodium diet: A balanced diet comprising of complex carbohydrates, fibre, proteins, and other necessary components can help you reduce your body weight. It is advisable to stay hydrated throughout the day and to avoid foods high in salt. Proper hydration will help maintain healthy blood circulation.

3. Exercise

Any leg exercise that strengthens your muscles and improves your veins’ ability to push blood to the heart will help prevent varicose veins from appearing. One of the easiest and most beneficial exercises you can do is walking.

Lower-body exercises help tone and stretch the deep muscles in your hamstrings and calves. These deep muscles can help your veins function properly and prevent pressure from building in them. These exercises include intensive activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. However, if you are facing age or injury-related issues, yoga can provide the same benefits without straining your joints and body too much. Sun salutations and most forward-bending poses will help you stretch and tone your legs.

4. Elevate your legs

To increase blood flow to your heart and reduce pressure in the veins of your legs, place your legs on a stool or a chair at an elevation at scheduled times or when possible during your day. Elevating your feet negates the impact of gravity and reduces swelling in your ankles. This is especially helpful if your work requires you to sit at a desk for long durations or of you to spend a lot of time standing.

Try elevating your legs at least thrice a day for 10-15 minutes.

5. Sleep on your left side if you are pregnant

One of the most common causes of varicose veins in women is pregnancy. It can be beneficial for pregnant people to sleep in positions that reduce the pressures of an expanding uterus on the veins to prevent them from becoming varicose. In case varicose veins have already formed, sleeping on the left side can help ease the symptoms of varicose veins during your pregnancy and reduce the pressure on the big vein in your pelvic region.

6. Use compression

Applying upward pressure on the lower legs and ankles can help push blood towards your heart. Depending on the level of support and pressure that your legs need, your doctor may advise you to wear compression garments that range from everyday pantyhose (for women or as per personal preference) to specialty compression socks and stockings. These garments help improve the circulation of blood in your legs against gravity and reduce swelling. Compression socks and stockings that provide high pressure are usually available only if prescribed. These socks are meant to be worn throughout the day and in combination with a routine of elevating legs.

Varicose veins, though usually not harmful, should not be left untreated. Major internal complications can affect you if you ignore this problem. Though not entirely preventable, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing them without drug or surgical intervention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and employing a few remedies and routines that can be practiced easily at home. If you are worried that your veins might be getting varicose or already have them, seek advice from your primary doctor. For more information about varicose veins, consult the best vascular surgeons in Bangalore at the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery in Sagar Hospitals.