Doctors warn against overindulgence

An increase in intake of sugar and oil-rich delicacies, erratic sleep and air and noise pollution can prove to be life-threatening

The festival of lights brings with it health risks that need care and attention, say city doctors. They also warn that an increase in intake of sugar and oil-rich delicacies, erratic sleep and air and noise pollution can prove to be life-threatening for those already suffering from lifestyle diseases.

In fact, it is crucial to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to ensure that Diwali becomes a joyful experience.

Talking about the consumption of unhealthy food during Diwali, Dr. Santosh Kumar Agarwal, senior interventional cardiologist at Kailash Hospital and Heart Institute, Noida, said, “Sweets consumed during Diwali are usually made of vanasapati ghee, which is high in trans-fat and reduces good cholesterol, besides increasing bad cholesterol.”

Dr. Agarwal added that high sugar content causes obesity and can be harmful for diabetics, even if consumed in small amounts. People also tend to eat out often, which basically includes deep-fried food that is high in sodium content.

“This can cause an increase in blood pressure and subsequently stress out the heart. All these can lead to an added risk of heart attacks, heart failures and sudden cardiac arrests in people with existing heart ailments and blockages. While celebrations are good, over-indulgence can ruin the festivities. Caution must be exercised and a balanced diet be consumed,” he said.

Dr. Manoj Kumar, associate director and head at the Cardiac Cath Lab, Max Super Specialty Hospital (Patparganj), said that firecrackers not just cause pollution, but also allergies and respiratory complications that can be life-threatening for those with a weak heart.

“For instance, the loud noise of bombs can increase the heart rate and blood pressure of heart patients, forcing it to pump faster and harder.

This increases the load on the already weak organ leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitation, accumulation of fluid in the body. It can lead to a heart attack,” Dr. Kumar said.

Dr. Kumar also noted that the risk increases when there are repeated bursts of loud crackers.

Heart patients must ensure that they stay indoors during the evening when the number of firecrackers set ablaze is the maximum. They can also use earplugs to protect themselves from sudden shocks due to the loud noise, he added.

Another health hazard during the festival season is increased alcohol consumption. This pushes up the number of road accidents and blood pressure levels and risk of heart disease, doctors say.