Rakesh Roshan's carotid arteries were blocked: Cardiologist explains causes, early warning signs, treatment
'This week has been truly eye-opening, during a routine full body health checkup. The doctor conducting sonography for the heart suggested I also do one for the neck. By chance we found out that although asymptomatic, both my carotid arteries to the brain were above 75 percent blocked, which if ignored could be potentially dangerous,' he said.
Sharing his health update, Rakesh Roshan urged his followers not to miss out on preventive health tests. 'I immediately admitted myself into the hospital and got the preventative procedures done. I am back home now fully recovered and hope to get back to my workouts very soon. I hope this inspires others to stay on top of their health especially where the heart and brain are concerned,' he wrote.
Is blockage in the carotid arteries harmful?
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Praveer Aggarwal, director- cardiology, Fortis Escorts Okhla, New Delhi explained the condition.
'Carotid arteries supply blood to the head and neck (brain). Blockage in the carotid arteries when it becomes critical can lead to disruption of laminar flow which in fact leads to clot formation, which can go up in brain and patient can have complications like TIA (Transient Ischemic attack) or brain stroke,' the doctor added. Also read | Blood sugar to prostate cancer: Doctor shares 12 health screenings that men should prioritise
'It means that when the blockage in the carotid artery is critical/symptomatic, patients can have brain stroke or TIA. Brain stroke (paralysis) can be associated with high mortality and morbidity (if the recovery is not complete then later life becomes difficult). If one is lucky to escape with TIA (usually complete recovery and a warning to get the treatment early if required),' he further explained.
Causes to know
Imaged dyslipidaemia, ageing and accelerated atherosclerosis are some of the causes of blockage in the carotid arteries, that one should watch out for.
Early warning signs to watch out for
Vertigo
Slurring of speech
Visual disturbance
Weakness in limbs (especially one half of the body)
Difficulty in walking
Seizure
How to address it?
Medical therapies such as Antiplatelets and statins can help in addressing the blockage. Intervention such as CAS (Carotid Artery Stenting) and CEA (Carotid Endarterctomy) can also help in treating it, said the cardiologist. Also read | Rakesh Roshan proves age is just a number, shows incredible fitness at 75 with heavy weightlifting and boxing workout
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
10 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Breastfeeding in a digital age
Becoming a mother often comes with a side of chaos, not just diapers, midnight feeds, or lullabies, but something far less spoken, the sheer overload of advice. From well-meaning relatives to parenting influencers on Instagram, new mothers are constantly surrounded by voices telling them what to do, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. Instead of feeling relieved that they have people to guide them, often mothers are confused, and in most cases, overwhelmed because today's mothers are raising their babies in the era of Instagram, WhatsApp, and parenting influencers. In a world of overflowing information, what's truly missing is genuine support. When advice turns into noise For most mothers, the advice starts pouring even before the baby arrives. 'You must exclusively breastfeed.' 'Don't give water till six months.' 'Use this position.' 'Avoid that food.' There is a barrage of dos and don'ts. At present, there are also strangers online who have different versions of 'getting it right'. The outcome is mothers begin to doubt themselves. Digital noise forces their instincts into the background. Instead of feeling like they are supported, they often feel judged. Thus, the mothers' instincts are drowned by digital noise, rather than feeling confident and supported, they feel judged. It is important for mothers to have a break, to reassure that they are doing well, and it's a step-wise process, after all. Unlearning myths is important since sometimes mothers tend to have already internalised these and accepted these as truths. Some of them are: The baby is crying because the mother must not have enough milk. If you give a bottle once, breastfeeding is ruined forever. Breastfeeding should come naturally. If it's hard, you're doing it wrong. You need to eat only bland food while nursing. These myths come from different sources, the problem is not only that they are wrong, but they are delivered so confidently that mothers begin to believe that there is something wrong with their breastfeeding methods. They also feel ashamed for something that may not even be in their control. Worse, they may delay asking for help when it's most needed.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Anti-vape law goes up in smoke
Chennai: At a friendly, private get-together at home, or at a restobar in the city, youngsters gather to bond over music, cocktails, and 'banned' vape pens (electronic or e-cigarettes). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nearly 70% users of this prohibited, but easily available, casually used, nicotine delivery device fall within the age bracket of 18-30 years. A spot-check by TOI in T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Alwarpet, and Mannadi revealed several shops selling vape pens and e-liquid refills. A salesman at a perfume shop in Ranganathan Street, T Nagar, initially denied that he sold vapes, but later admitted to having limited stock in three flavours: raspberry fusion, mango fusion, and guava-mint, imported from Malaysia and China. "We only accept cash," the shopkeeper said. Prices vary depending on puff count. Pens offering 25,000 puffs are sold at 2,700, while premium variants are priced upwards of 7,000. Online platforms, however, list the same products for as low as 1,500 and sell without age verification. Many buyers use WhatsApp groups or Instagram pages to make purchases. So, what was the draw of vaping? "I first tried it in college as my friends used it," said S Adithya, 22, a collegegoer. "Although I had quit, I tend to vape when meeting up with my friends, or you feel left out," he added. Trisha Bhowmick, another college student, turned to vaping to deal with anxiety. While the sale and consumption of traditional cigarettes, a cheaper alternative, remain legal, young users gravitate toward illegal vapes owing to perceived 'harmlessness' (fruity flavours, no lingering odour). That is a misconception, as Dr Krishna, an oncologist, explained, "Unlike therapeutic aerosols of a nebuliser, a vape delivers harmful chemicals to the lungs. Aerosols include nicotine and other toxic substances that can cause heart disease, lung problems, and even cancer." Enforcement is also a challenge. Last year, Chennai police arrested just 16 people for possession of the banned tobacco products, including vapes. In areas such as Tambaram and Avadi, there have been no recorded seizures, raising concerns over the ignorance around vape usage. Ashra Garg, inspector- general (north), said, "We rely on local sources and conduct raids when we get reliable inputs. Vapes can be easily hidden, which makes enforcement harder. We are committed to cracking down on suppliers and users alike." Under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA), manufacturing, importing, selling, storing, or advertising e-cigarettes is banned. Police officers at the sub-inspector level and above can search, seize, and arrest the offenders without a warrant. First time offenders face up to one year in jail or a fine of `1 lakh, while repeat offenders can be jailed for three years. However, the law does not differentiate between personal use and commercial distribution. A casual user with one vape pen could receive the same punishment as a person smuggling or peddling thousands. Activists opine that officials must work with e-tailer platforms to curb illegal online sales, while educational institutions must adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards tobacco use.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Why is 'Fibermaxxing' trending? Viral wellness fad might be worth the hype, but there's one catch
Why This Nutrient Deserves Attention The Best Fiber? It's on Your Plate, Not in a Pill You Might Also Like: Apple vs lemon vs banana: Who wins the healthiest fruit trophy? Science has the answer Oats and whole grains Chia seeds and flaxseeds Lentils, beans, and peas Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables Berries, apples, and pears Nuts and seeds Too Much of a Good Thing? Yes, Even Fiber iStock Fibermaxxing isn't without its caveats. According to Syn, suddenly ramping up fiber intake, especially past 70 grams per day, can lead to digestive discomfort. Fiber and Disease Prevention Is Fibermaxxing Healthy or Hype? If 2024 was all about tracking protein, the latest buzzword in the world of wellness is 'fibermaxxing.' Across TikTok and Instagram, influencers and everyday health enthusiasts are flaunting their high-fiber meals under hashtags like #Fibermaxxing, showcasing colorful bowls brimming with fruits, chia seeds, lentils, and leafy to a report from CNBC Make It, this viral trend marks a notable shift from protein powders and meat-heavy meal plans to plant-based plates aimed at hitting — and sometimes exceeding — the daily recommended fiber intake. But is more always better?According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines, women under 50 should consume 25 to 28 grams of fiber per day, while men in the same age group should aim for 31 to 34 grams. Yet most Americans fall far short, averaging only 10 to 15 grams daily. A 2016 analysis published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that only 5% of U.S. adults get enough Syn, a registered dietitian and author of Mostly Plant-Based, explained in an interview with CNBC Make It that fiber is 'kind of becoming the new protein.' Its growing popularity is due to its well-documented benefits: better digestion, enhanced gut health, lower cholesterol, improved blood sugar levels, and even support for weight agree that the most effective (and safe) way to increase fiber intake is through whole foods. Syn advises skipping supplements and instead embracing a more plant-forward diet. Foods high in fiber include:These foods contain both soluble fiber, which helps with heart health and glucose control, and insoluble fiber, which aids in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fibermaxxing isn't without its caveats. According to Syn, suddenly ramping up fiber intake — especially past 70 grams per day — can lead to digestive discomfort. Harvard Health Publishing echoes this, warning that excessive fiber can result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, or cramping if the body isn't eased into the also plays a critical role. Without adequate hydration, even moderate increases in fiber can backfire, causing more harm than good. Experts recommend drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily to support proper digestion when fiber intake goes best approach? Add one new high-fiber food to your routine each week and monitor how your body responds. Gradual incorporation, not radical overhaul, is the key to long-term everyday wellness, fiber also plays a role in disease prevention. Low-fiber diets are linked to higher risks of conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and colon issues such as diverticulosis. In fact, Harvard Medical School notes that incorporating high-fiber foods into each meal can help prevent diverticulitis — a painful inflammation of colon pouches often caused by low fiber strategies include replacing white rice with brown rice or lentils, snacking on nuts and fruit instead of processed foods, and adding vegetables to every meal. Reading food labels for at least 5 grams of fiber per serving is another quick most viral trends, fibermaxxing comes with both promise and pitfalls. The core message — eat more plants, support gut health, stay hydrated — is backed by science. But overdoing it can lead to discomfort and may not suit every body type or Mia Syn puts it, 'There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.' Staying within the recommended fiber range — or slightly above, with professional guidance — is likely safe for most healthy individuals.
