ACCEl 2016 - Hong Kong Dr. M.S Hiremath was invited as a faculty to educational program conducted by American College of Cardiology Extended Learning (ACCEL) at Hong Kong. The program was co-ordinated by Dr. Antonio Colombo and Dr Samuel Mathew.Dr. Shirish Hiremath made some important contributions in this educational programme, presented a case and was part of panel in session on bifurcation lesion. He also chaired an interesting session "Nightmares in Cath Lab".

Thank you All for a successful CSI Conference at Kochi - Dr Shirish MS Hiremath, President CSI On Behalf of CSI and as a President of Cardiological Society of India, I thank you all for making CSI's 68th Conference at Kochi a grand success. I thank the entire CSI body, national and International Faculties, the entire delegate who have come to Kochi from all over the world to attend the conference.I also thank all the Industry participants, who have supported us to make this the best ever CSI conference. Thank you very much.

CSI Koch 2016 Conference Highlights President Elect - Dr Shirish MS Hiremath invites all fellow Cardiologist throughout India to the CSI Conference to be held in Kochi from the 8th to 11th Dec 2016. Here are some of the higlights of the conference.Conference HighlightsFirst-ever joint session of five major cardiology societies of the world on prevention of cardiovascular diseases that involves CSI, ESC, ACC, AHA and World Heart Federation with participation of presidents of these societies. Carefully designed scientific program with lots of case-based sessions and workshops for guiding the delegates in all aspects of cardiology practice. There will be plenary sessions, guest lectures, orations, award sessions, debates, seminars, symposiums, panel discussions, back to basics sessions and teaching classes. Original research from India related to cardiology will be presented in various exciting formats. Plethora of eminent international cardiologists who are leaders in their chosen field including Salim Yusuf, Jagat Narula, Bernad Gersh, Hitinder Grum and Jergen Bax along with prominent speakers from India. A hassle-free registration system with delegate badges delivered prior to arriving at the venue. State-of-the-art audio visual systems for comfortable viewing of scientific content. Most modern audience poll system coupled with SMS facility in the question answer sessions. Delegate-friendly mobile app for ready reference of scientific program, directions for access to conference halls and information about the venue and the city. Public awareness programs One of the best convention centers in India with availability of more than 1000 five star hotel rooms within 10 Km distance. Opportunities to unwind in the shooting ambience of Kochi. Click here to Register 

The Heart of the Matter by Ritu Bhatia The Heart Of The Matter Ritu Bhatia September 26, 2016: It was another tiring day. Sanjay Guha, 42, was heading home after a meeting when a nagging pain erupted in his left shoulder and radiated down to his chest. Within seconds, Guha was breathless. “I knew I was in big trouble,” he recalls. But he managed to instruct his driver to head to the nearest hospital. This was a life-sav­­er: an emergency angioplasty and stent insertion minimised the damage caused by the heart attack that struck. Guha represents the new heart patient in India. Unlike developed economies where heart disease is predominantly associated with old age, here in India, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become rampant among the young and middle-aged: data released by the National Heart Institute (NHI) last month shows that over the last five years, there has been a 28 per cent rise in heart patients below 40.  “Nearly one-fourth of heart attacks in India occur in men below 40 years,” says Prof Sundeep Mishra, professor of cardiology at AIIMS, Delhi, and editor of the Indian Heart Journal.   Earlier believed to afflict only high-income countries, heart disease is now the leading cause of death and disability in low and middle-income regions such as India: about 25 per cent of all deaths in the 25-69 years group are attributable to CVDs, says a 2013 study by the Registrar General of India (RGI) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). “Undetected heart disease wreaks slow damage in the body, ultimately leading to life-threatening episodes,” says Dr Ashok Seth, chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi.   Though heart disease is imagined to be a rich, urban man’s disease, the reality is that CVDs also afflict poor and rural communities. “An estimated six crore Indians suffer from heart disease. Some 11 million are from urban areas and the remainder are from rural regions,” says Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD, Medanta--The Medicity.   Heart disease is no longer a disease of the old. There’s a 28 per cent rise in heart patients below the age of 40, a five-year study by NHI has found.   Women, too, haven’t escaped the tentacles of escalating heart disease. Some 14.3 per cent of females in a Kerala community-based cross-sectional study were diagnosed with coronary artery disease, says a 2016 study published in *BMC Cardiovascular Disorders*. Despite the estimated three-fold rise in incidence of heart disorders among females over the past decade, people are yet to accept the gravity of the risk. “Many women still mistakenly believe that heart disease is a man’s problem, even though it is the No. 1 killer of women,” asserts Dr Roopa Salwan, director, myocardial infarction pogramme and a senior consultant, interventional cardiology, at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi. As in the case of men, CVDs are also striking younger women: a 2016 study by the NHI, covering five years, shows a rise in the number of younger, pre-menopausal women being treated for heart disease.   Poor lifestyle choices are to blame for 80 per cent of the cases of coronary artery disease in the world, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Epidemiologists also point to the link between spurt in CVDs and other lifestyle or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension. “Rapid demographic transition and economic liberalisation has bred a new epidemic of non-communicable diseases that account for over 60 per cent of total deaths in India. Cardiovascular diseases hold the largest share,” says Dr Kenneth Thorpe, chairman, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD).   Smoking, obesity, high BMI and abdominal obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, high stress levels, genetic predisposition, and an unhealthy lifestyle, contribute to the risk. Though the risk factors for men and women are the same, socio-cultural and gender factors make women extra susceptible. “Self-neglect and an unwillingness to accept a diagnosis of heart disease worsens the prognosis for women,” says Dr Salwan.   The increased longevity of the population contributes to the burden of heart disease. Other factors such as the rise in pollutants are related to cardiac emergencies too. “Air pollutants and noxious gases cause damage and constriction of blood vessels, increasing cholesterol deposits and clotting, and raising the risk of heart attacks,” says Dr Seth.   Around 20-30 per cent of patients in India are believed to have a family history of heart disease, which means an immediate family member--father, mother, brother or sister--developed a cardiac ailment before the age of 55. This raises their metabolic pre-disposition to heart disease. “Despite a healthy lifestyle and diet, this group may have high cholesterol levels because around 60 per cent of cholesterol is generated by their own bodies,” says Dr Seth.   However, no specific gene has been proven to play a major role in predicting risk of heart attacks and researchers say that a healthy lifestyle can triumph pre-disposition any day. Ethnic predisposition to both heart disease and diabetes has, however, been proven by many studies.   “Hypertension, truncal obesity, and diabetes/insulin resistance and low levels of good cholesterol are more common in Indians and Asians than other ethnic groups, increasing their risk to CVDs,” say Prof Mishra. Another factor associated with an increased predisposition is the level of inflammation, measured by a marker called the C-reactive protein (CRP). “High CRP levels are linked to coronary artery disease in younger people who otherwise have no clear risk factors,” says Dr Seth.   Of all the medications developed for heart disease, statins have had the most dramatic impact, and cut the risk of heart attacks by up to half.  Technological advances have also improved medical outcomes for those with heart disease and boosted life expectancy. “Coronary stents have halved the number of patients dying from heart attacks and implantable cardiac defibrillators have raised the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest from five per cent to 98 per cent,” says renowned interventional cardiologist Dr Pravin Chandra.   Apart from angioplasties, numerous other complex cardiological interventions—balloon valvuloplasties, carotid and peripheral interventions, aortic stent graft implantations, cardiac resynchronisation therapies, implantable cardiac defibrillators, and heart transplants—are available at leading hospitals across the country. “Innovative technologies have provided doctors the tools to improve the outcomes of cardiac procedures and prolong lives,” says Dr M.S. Hiremath, CSI president-elect and cardiologist at Ruby Hall, Pune.   Another positive change reported by cardiac surgeons is the influx of older patients seeking surgical interventions. “A decade ago, older people with heart conditions were resistant to surgeries, but today 30-40 per cent of my patients are in their 70s. The desire for healthy ageing overrides the fear,” says Dr. L.F. Sridhar, senior consultant cardiac aurgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.   But here’s the bad news. Millions of Indians with CVDs lack access to life-saving drugs and procedures. “Only about two per cent of those in need can avail of an angioplasty,” says Prof Mishra. Infrastructural issues, shortage of experts and medical supplies, and lack of funding mechanisms continue to plague the public health system and prevent the realisation of the noble national mission of ‘Health for All’.   “An estimated 6 lakh patients in India undergo angioplasties, and more than half need two or more stents. This is just a fraction of those in need. Access to life-saving cardiac devices and medical expertise is essential to make a positive impact,” says Dr Darshan Banker, chief interventional cardiologist and managing director of Bankers Heart Institute, Baroda.   Prevention of heart disease is indisputably the only way to stop it in its tracks. Despite the plethora of information available on how to live a heart healthy life, most still have a curative mindset towards cardiac issues. “Let’s remove the fear of dying from heart disease and replace it with the joy of living,” suggests Dr Salwan.   While bypass surgery and angioplasty can alleviate blockage, and statins can keep heart attacks at bay, these measures must be combined with healthy living practices to maintain a healthy heart. “It is time for us to take a step towards actualising a generation free of heart diseases through healthy eating, regular exercise and better stress control,” says Dr Trehan.   Early detection of CVDs increases the chances of recovery. “Any blockage or complication that is detected early and treated quickly, increases the chances of survival by 99 per cent,” says Dr Trehan, who recommends vigilance for all those above the age of 40. “Middle-aged individuals should get regular medical check-ups for early identification of risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes, and enable timely treatment,” emphases Dr J.P.S. Sahawney, head of the department of cardiology, at Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi. Young people with high risk factors such as family history, hypertension, smoking, or high levels of CRP are also advised to get screened periodically. “The plaques that eventually lead to clogged arteries start accumulating during adolescence, so cholesterol checks should begin as early as age 20,” says Dr Seth.   Ultimately, heart health is dependent among emotional wellbeing. Mental health experts recommend maintaining close connections with family and friends, and including stress busting activities in daily life, to reduce risk of heart disease. “Relaxation, meditation, and the use of cognitive therapy must become a way of life for everyone,” says Dr Seema Rekha, a consultant for emotional health at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.   Read More here

Price Capping will hamper innovation, putting doctors and patients at a disadvantage : Dr. Shirish (M S.) Hiremath Quality and efficacy mark the foundation of any healthcare system. To provide quality care to the patient, we should use the best of the devices in the first go to avoid complications in the later stages. Dr. Shirish (M.S.) Hiremath, CSI President Elect and Chairman, Scientific Committee, talks to ETHealthworld about the impact of price capping of medical devices.  Imaging medical device innovation has helped to improve the patient outcome dramatically in the recent years. Where angioplasty showcased a success rate of 70% in the mid 1980s, it now boasts a success rate of 97%. While gain in medical experience can be seen as a contributing factor, the improved success rate can be majorly attributed to innovation in medical devices. Stents are now slimmer and more efficient which does not only help physicians in better delivery but also significantly improves patients' quality of life.Read more here

Happy Birthday Dr Shirish MS Hiremath We all wish Dr Shirish MS Hiremath a Happy Birthday and wish him all the best for the year ahead

Doctor and Patient Interaction for Post MI Risks Dr Shirish MS Hiremath's Clinic had organised a unique program where doctors and patients interacted and discussed at length about potential risks to patients who have had an heart attack before. Patients got a chance to express themselves about their condition after Angioplasty and were very much interested to know about what care they should take to prevent further damage to their hearts. Dr Hiremath addressed the potential risks that these patients face. He also addressed the crowd about various lifestyle changes including diet modifications they have to make to lead a life with a healthy heart.

Dr Hiremath Lecture on Restenosis at Indo Japanese CTO club In today’s era of expanding Intervention cardiology with improved and user friendly hard ware and good long term outcomes largely as a result of improved drug eluting stents and antiplatelet medication, CTO remains one of the important areas of challenge where operator experience and technical expertise still plays an important role in the final success of the procedure. Also this is one area that still needs more learning for all of us with largest experience existing with the Japanese operators world over. In light of the same Indo Japanese CTO club was formulated with like minded people with a view to offer opportunity for greater learning in this field for all. The group had its birth in July 2012 at the 3rd CACTO summit and the 1st live CTO summit India under the aegis of IJCTO was held in Mumbai in June 2013. This year it was held at Kochi, Kerala in June 2016. Dr Shirish MS Hiremath was invited to give a lecture. He spoke on various treatment options available for re-stenosis of existing stents placed in the coronary vessels.

Cardiac Camp at Phaltan is a Grand Success Dr Shirish MS Hiremath, along with Dr J T Pol at Sona Nikop Heart Care Centre, Phaltan conducted a free cardiac camp on Saturday April 20th 2016. More than 1300 patients had registered for the event. All Patients were screen for potential cardiac problems, out of which Dr Hiremath personally performed 2D-Echo on more than 20 patients. Around 8 Patients were identified and underwent Coronary Angiographies. 1 patient required additional intervention and had to undergo Angioplasty. Thus, the camp was a grand success, with all patients truly benefiting from the camp with Dr Hiremath addressing each and every patient on how to keep their heart fit and healthy. Later in the evening, Dr Hiremath conducted a Continuous Medical Education session for a group of 60 General Practitioners, who were guided on Cardiac Symptoms, Risk Factors, early signs of Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attach) and early management till a Cardiologist attends to the patient. Lastly he also spoke about Dr Pol’s contribution towards health care in rural place like Phaltan and wished him best for the future.

Live Case at the National Intervention Council National Intervention Council (NIC) is the interventional arm of Cardilogical Society of India (CSI), the oldest and the most prestigious organization of cardiologists in the country, established to provide forum for practioners of this sub-specialty, representing more than 2200 interventional cardiologists. NIC held a Mid-term Interventional Meeting in the month of April at the Hyderabad International Convention Center, Hyderabad, India. It was a 3 day meeting full of Live Cases from the best Indian & International sites, cutting edge technologies, a wide spectrum of didactic lectures, debates, point of view sessions on hot topics of interventional cardiology and more than 500 case presentations on various complications, nightmares and newer technologies. Dr Shirish MS Hiremath, who is the newly elected President Elect of CSI for 2016-2017 performed live Angioplasty (PTCA) cases from Care Hospital, Hyderabad which was broadcasted live to the Hyderabad Convention Centre. He demonstrated critical Angioplasty case where stent was placed in critical Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery, which is a critical vessel supplying blood to the left heart chamber. Dr Hiremath has been performing such critical angioplasty cases in Pune.

Helping Patients Heal Faster with New-Gen Drug-Eluting Stents - Pune Times Article In this article in the recent Pune Times article dated 5th March 2016, Dr Shirish MS Hiremath, Pune's leading Interventional Cardiologist and President Elect, CSI, talks about New-Generation Drug Eluting Stents (The Synergy Stent), which are an effective vehicle for minimising chances of re-narrowing of artery and enable faster healing in patients. First-generation DES are associated with delayed arterial healing and long term durable polymer exposure, which is a problem addressed by the newer Synergy Stent. Dr Hiremath added, “This next generation therapy is designed to improve patient outcomes and ultimately reduce health care costs associated with the treatment of coronary artery disease. Such innovations highlight the interventional cardiology com- munity’s continuous efforts to advance treat- ments that save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with cardiovascular disease.”

Dr.MS Hiremath is now President Elect of Cardiological Society of India Dr. MS Hiremath was recently felicitated as President Elect (2015-2016) of Cardiological Society of India (CSI) which is one of the oldest and most prestigious organization of cardiologists from of India. It is to note that the CSI was established one year earlier than the formation of the American College of Cardiology and the International Society & Federation of Cardiology (ISFC). With 25 branches across India, CSI has membership strength more than 4000 cardiologists. The CSI of India is also a member of the International Society & federation of Cardiology and Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology and also SAARC society of Cardiology and jointly working with European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American College of Cardiology (ACC). To know more visit official website of CSI www.csi.org.in/about.htm