RIMS, IHI talk Heart Care on World Heart Day
'Heart diseases claim 10,00 lives annually in Manipur'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 29 2026: As in other places, World Heart Day was observed today at the Imphal Heart Institute (IHI), Sagolband Moirang Leirak.

Held under the theme "Don't Miss a Beat", the event featured deliberations by experts on maintaining a healthy heart and an interactive session on heart health.

Addressing the function, IHI Director-cum-Chief Cardiac Surgeon Dr Arambam Athouba said that World Heart Day is observed annually to spread awareness among the community about cardiovascular health.

Saying that heart diseases have become a major health concern, he emphasised the need for people to adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

RIMS, IHI talk Heart Care on World Heart Day

He said that around 2 crore people die globally from heart-related diseases every year, of whom around 1.5 crore are in the 50-60 age group.

Saying that people in the 50-60 age group are mostly breadwinners for their families, Dr Athouba maintained that deaths from cardiovascular diseases could be prevented without incurring high costs by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

He stressed the importance of regular exercise at least four days a week, consuming a balanced diet, avoiding junk food and reducing the intake of edible oil and salt to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

He also said that around 10,000 people die annually from heart-related ailments in Manipur, of whom nearly 70 per cent of the deaths are preventable.

Dr Athouba added that many lives could be saved by making simple lifestyle changes.

IHI Managing Director Dr Khumanthem Ratankumar said that no extensive research has so far been conducted on cardiovascular diseases in Manipur.

However, citing a study conducted by experts in the United States, he said that one in three people is likely to develop heart disease, while one in five people may die prematurely from cardiovascular diseases.

He also said that some babies out of every 100 births may be born with congenital heart defects, adding that many of them do not undergo proper screening or diagnostic tests.

Dr Ratankumar added that a student is currently conducting research on the subject at IHI and the findings will be made available to the public.

Saying that stress is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, he called for the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and effective stress-management practices to reduce the risk of heart-related ailments.

A treadmill test facility for cardiac check-ups would soon be available at IHI, he said and appealed to people to undergo regular cardiovascular health check-ups.

During the programme, Director of Cath Lab and Interventional Cardiologist (IHI) Dr Khundrakpam Yoihenba, Senior Dietician Yumkham Renuca and Consultant Cardiac Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Chongtham Stonwash also spoke at the function and interacted with the participants.

Altogether, 120 people were screened for cardiovascular diseases through an OPD service during the programme.

A cycle rally was also organised as part of the observance.

The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal also observed World Heart Day today at the OPD Block of the hospital under the theme "Don't Miss a Beat" .

The programme was inaugurated by RIMS Director Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma in the presence of Dr Thokchom Sachin Deba Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Cardiology, RIMS, Imphal.

Doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, patients, patient attendants and other staff of RIMS Hospital attended the programme.

On the occasion, Prof Sunil Kumar emphasized the importance of creating greater awareness about cardiovascular diseases and adopting preventive measures.

He encouraged healthcare professionals and the public to remain vigilant about heart-health risks, recognize warning signs and seek timely medical attention whenever symptoms occur.

The observance highlighted the importance of prevention, early detection and timely management of cardiovascular diseases through the "Don't Miss a Beat" campaign.

Participants were sensitised to warning signs, hypertension, timely medical care, regular health monitoring, risk-factor management and adherence to medical advice.

A "Know Your Heart Age" check-up was conducted, and awareness leaflets were distributed to promote heart health.