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An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Objective: The present study assessed physico-chemical, techno-functional, thermal and textural characteristics of propolis samples (n = 30) collected from four Northern zones of India. Methods: The propolis samples were analyzed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) official protocols for their ash, moisture, and protein content. Soxtech, Fiber tech, Hunter LAB Colorimeter, TA.XT2i Texture Analyzer, Thermo gravimetric Analyzer, Discovery DSC 25 have been used to assess the crude fat, fibre content, colour, texture and thermal properties, respectively. Results and conclusions: Physico-chemical properties of propolis differed significantly (p

Objective: Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is limited data on hypertension prevalence in India. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among Indian adults. Methods: A national level survey was conducted with fixed one-day blood pressure measurement camps across 24 states and union territories of India. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or on treatment for hypertension. The prevalence was age- and gender-standardized according to the 2011 census population of India. Results: Blood pressure was recorded for 180,335 participants (33.2% women; mean age 40.6 ± 14.9 years). Among them, 8,898 (4.9%), 99,791 (55.3%), 35,694 (11.9%), 23,084 (12.8%), 9,989 (5.5%), and 2,878 (1.6%) participants were of the age group 18–19, 20–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and ≥ 75 years, respectively. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 30.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.5, 30.9) and the prevalence among women was 23.7% (95% CI: 23.3, 24). Prevalence adjusted for 2011 census population and the WHO reference population was 29.7% and 32.8%, respectively. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of hypertension, with almost one in every three Indian adult affected. Keywords: Hypertension, India, Prevalence

Background: The impact of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for diagnosis and management of hypertension on the prevalence of hypertension in India is unknown. Methods: We analyzed data from the Cardiac Prevent 2015 survey to estimate the change in the prevalence of hypertension. The JNC8 guidelines defined hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of ≥140 ​mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 ​mmHg. The 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure of ≥130 ​mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥80 ​mmHg. We standardized the prevalence as per the 2011 census population of India. We also calculated the prevalence as per the World Health Organization (WHO) World Standard Population (2000–2025). Results: Among 180,335 participants (33.2% women), the mean age was 40.6 ​± ​14.9 years (41.1 ​± ​15.0 and 39.7 ​± ​14.7 years in men and women, respectively). Among them, 8,898 (4.9%), 99,791 (55.3%), 35,694 (11.9%), 23,084 (12.8%), 9,989 (5.5%) and 2,878 (1.6%) participants belonged to age group 18–19, 20–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74 and ​≥ ​75 years respectively. The prevalence of hypertension according to the JNC8 and 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines was 29.7% and 63.8%, respectively- an increase of 115%. With the 2011 census population of India, this suggests that currently, 486 million Indian adults have hypertension according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, an addition of 260 million as compared to the JNC8 guidelines. Conclusion: According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, 3 in every 5 Indian adults have hypertension.

Objective: Omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which are present in nuts may reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, by changing vascular inflammation and improving endothelial dysfunction. The objective of the study was to evaluate the acute effects of two different diets, one containing walnuts and the other almonds on endothelial function. Methods: Twenty-seven overweight volunteers underwent a randomized 2-period, crossover, controlled intervention study. The subjects were given either walnut or almond diets which varied in monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. The walnut diet provided 23.1% energy from PUFA and the almond diet provided 7.6% energy from PUFA. Endothelial function was assessed physiologically by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and biochemically by sVCAM (soluble vascular cell adhesion molecules). Results: The walnut diet significantly improved FMD (p = 0.004) and decreased sVCAM (p = 0.009) whereas the almond diet tended to improve FMD (p = 0.06) and significantly decreased sVCAM (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Both walnut and almond diets improved FMD and sVCAM and there was no significant difference in physiological and biochemical markers between the two diets. Keywords: Almonds, Walnuts, Endothelial Function, sVCAM, Flow mediated dilation (FMD), MUFA, PUFA

The health care burden of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in India is enormous. Yet, many patients with STEMI can seldom avail timely and evidence based reperfusion treatments. This gap in care is a result of financial barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, poor knowledge and accessibility of acute medical services for a majority of the population. Addressing some of these issues, STEMI India, a not-for-profit organization, Cardiological Society of India (CSI) and Association Physicians of India (API) have developed a protocol of “systems of care” for efficient management of STEMI, with integrated networks of facilities. Leveraging newly-developed ambulance and emergency medical services, incorporating recent state insurance schemes for vulnerable populations to broaden access, and combining innovative, “state-of-the-art” information technology platforms with existing hospital infrastructure, are the crucial aspects of this system. A pilot program was successfully employed in the state of Tamilnadu. The purpose of this article is to describe the framework and methods associated with this programme with an aim to improve delivery of reperfusion therapy for STEMI in India. This programme can serve as model STEMI systems of care for other low-and-middle income countries.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a pandemic disease and an important cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. The atherogenic dyslipidemia in diabetes (ADD) is characterized by high serum triglycerides, high small dense LDL levels, low HDL levels and postprandial lipemia. Insulin resistance is a primary cause for ADD. Though statins are highly effective for CVD prevention in DM but a significant residual CV risk remains even after optimal statin therapy. Fibrates, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids are used in addition to statin for treatment of ADD (specifically hypertriglyceridemia). All these drugs have some limitations and they are far from being ideal companions of statins. Many newer drugs are in pipeline for management of ADD. Dual PPAR α/γ agonists are in most advanced stage of clinical development and they have a rational approach as they control blood glucose levels (by reducing insulin resistance, a primary factor for ADD) in addition to modulating ADD. Availability of dual PPAR α/γ agnosits and other drugs for ADD management may improve CV outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients in future.