Indians more prone to heart disease

Kolkata, Apr 19 (UNI) It is wrong to think that stress can be a reason for heart ailment, rather it is the attitude which is responsible for the disease.

Eminent Cardiologist Rabin Chakroborty said at a programme on Tuesday ''the main reason for heart ailment is attitude.'' Attitude of a person shows at his face and popping pills only cannot cure the major disease.

Dr Chakroborty said stress can be controlled by meditation, but attitude can be changed only if a person wishes to.

Studies indicate that Indians are more susceptible to heart disease, 3.4 times more than Americans, 6 times more than Chinese and 20 times more than Japanese.

The disease strikes at an age when person concerned is at the rising point of his career. The disease also follows a more severe and aggressive course leading to three times higher rate of second heart attack, said Dr Chakroborty.

''Most patients do not understand the intensity of the attack and try to suppress it by consuming pills,'' explained the doctor In order to stop this 'Widow-maker' disease from assuming an epidemic proportion, different private hospitals have joined hands.'' We are planning to set up a Rapid Action Chest Pain Clinic,which will remain open for 12 hours a day and attend calls relating to heart pains and suggest remedial measures.'' UNI