Ajit Karn
Sushmita Sen took to social media to inform her followers that she had recently suffered a heart attack and undergone angioplasty. Sen was prescribed dexamethasone in 2014 for the treatment of Addison’s disease, which was diagnosed in 2014. Here is how autoimmunity can affect the heart.
Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe and Bollywood actor, took to Instagram on Friday to inform her followers that she suffered a heart attack and underwent angioplasty – a procedure used to access blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease. The Bengali beauty updated her current health status by stating, “Everything is fine and I’m eager for life again.” (Also see: Sushmita Sen had a heart attack two days ago: “Angioplasty performed, stent in position; specialist confirms I have a large heart.”)
“I experienced a cardiac attack a few days ago…
Done angioplasty…
stent in place…
Moreover, my cardiologist reaffirmed that I have a large heart. There are numerous individuals to praise for their prompt assistance and positive actions… will do so in a subsequent publication! This message is to notify you (my well-wishers and loved ones) of the excellent news…that everything is fine and I am ready to start living again!!! I adore you exceedingly!!!” Thursday, Sushmita Sen updated her admirers on her health status.
In 2014, Sen was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, and was taking cortisone as part of his treatment. The actress had previously stated that the years she fought Addison’s disease were traumatic for her. According to mayoclinic, Addison’s disease, also known as adrenal insufficiency, is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and, frequently, too little aldosterone. It can be potentially fatal.
Can Addison’s disease cause heart problems?
“Certainly, Addison’s disease can impact the cardiovascular system. Addison’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, fail to generate enough hormones. These hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone, regulate blood pressure and cardiac function significantly. Insufficiency of these hormones can result in a variety of cardiovascular issues, including low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart failure “Director of Interventional Cardiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Dr. Nishith Chandra, says.
“Additionally, autoimmune conditions, such as Addison’s disease, can impact cardiac function. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s own tissues, including the heart’s. This can cause myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that can damage the heart and lead to heart failure “he adds.
“Autoimmune diseases are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, presumably because patients with them have more classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. Autoimmune myocarditis is an autoimmune cardiac disease. The disease is distinguished by inflammation of cardiac muscle (myocardium). Some individuals with autoimmune myocarditis exhibit no symptoms whatsoever “Dr. Narayan Gadkar, Consultant Cardiologist at the Zen Multi-Specialty Hospital in Chembur, states as much.
Probable cardiac causes after age 40
According to Dr. Chandra, there are multiple potential causes of a heart attack after the age of 40, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.
“It is essential to observe, however, that heart attacks can occur even in the absence of these risk factors,” he continues.
“This is frequently caused by plaques, which are cholesterol-containing deposits. Plaques can constrict arteries, thereby restricting blood passage to the heart. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot may form in the heart. A total or partial blockage of a coronary artery in the heart can induce a heart attack “says Dr Gadkar.
“Heart attack incidences are increasing at an alarming rate. Due to numerous factors, even women are becoming increasingly susceptible to heart attacks in the United States. It may be due to comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and others that are present but unknown to the individual. In addition, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and sleep deprivation contribute to the risk. However, the incidence of heart attacks among healthy individuals is soaring. This may be the result of excessive participation in strenuous exercise without knowledge of underlying cardiac conditions. Additionally, increased tension makes individuals susceptible to sudden cardiac problems. Regular cardiac examinations are necessary to avoid such complications. Dr. Vikas Chopra, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Primus Super Specialty Hospital, explains that even in the case of Sushmita Sen, prompt action and medical intervention at the right moment can save the lives of individuals suffering sudden heart attacks.
Can prolonged steroid use result in a heart attack?
“Steroids, especially long-term use of steroids at large doses, can have negative effects on the heart. Steroids can increase blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of blood blockages, all of which can contribute to heart disease and increase the risk of heart attack. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor your cardiac health and minimise potential risks if you are taking steroids “explains Dr. Chandra.
Also read: 3 pomegranates a day, keep heart diseases away: Here’s how
“Even modest doses of steroids increase the risk for cardiovascular disease in individuals with inflammatory conditions. The use of corticosteroids to treat chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases “says Dr Gadkar.
Tips for heart care after age 40
Dr. Gadkar recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Walking at a moderate to quick pace or cycling on flat terrain are excellent ways to get started.
Doctor: “You may be able to progressively progress to jogging or more intense activities, such as jumping rope.”
