Showing rare bravado, five heart patients complete 10K run

HYDERABAD: Defying advice by doctors, five people who were urged to undergo heart transplants but opted to undergo cardiac rehab completed a 10k run on Sunday.

The runners are Sreedhar, a receptionist, Lokith, a graduate student, Kasim, a technician, Durgaiah, a farmer and Jitender, a private company employee. They completed the Freedom Hyderabad 10K run Sunday morning.

All these heart patients were diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These conditions cause severe physical limitations, it is very difficult to lead a normal life. Most of the time, the exact cause of the disease is not known.

All the patients were told that they would eventually need heart transplant. In most such cases, patients and their family members imposed physical boundaries to prevent any load on the heart. However, these patients went through advanced cardiac rehab services.

At the time of diagnosis, they could not even walk short distances. Now, they were able to efficiently carry out their daily chores at home and workplace. This is a relief to them and their family. They are no longer considering a transplant.

When PAH and DCM patients undergo cardiac rehab, the heart strengthens, which improves the oxygen flow to the body and improves efficiency of muscles. This helps control the symptoms caused by their heart conditions.

Cardiac rehab consists of multiple ways of therapy, including prescribed exercises, educating the patient on lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease, and diet and nutrition counselling. It is usually prescribed for patients who have suffered a heart attack or have been diagnosed with any other heart issue.