“Angioplasty done…stent in place”
Bollywood actor Sushmita Sen on Thursday revealed on social media about having a heart attack. The actor shared a long post on Instagram and mentioned about having angioplasty done.
"I suffered a heart attack a couple of days back…Angioplasty done…stent in place…and most importantly, my cardiologist reconfirmed ‘I do have a big heart’," she wrote in her post sharing a picture of her with her father.
Those with cardiomegaly do not show any sign but experience shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.
‘I do have a big heart’
A big heart, which usually refers to someone who is caring and loving, medically refers to a condition called cardiomegaly. This is not a disease but is a sign of another disease. "Heart damage and certain types of heart disease can cause an enlarged heart. Sometimes short-term stress on the body, such as pregnancy, can cause the heart to get larger. Depending on the condition, an enlarged heart may be temporary or permanent," MayoClinic says.
Those with cardiomegaly do not show any sign but experience shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat.
In 2014, Sushmita had revealed about having Addison’s disease
In 2020 Sushmita Sen had talked about living with Addison's disease. She had opened up about her health on social media. "After I was diagnosed with an Autoimmune condition called Addison’s disease in September 2014, it left me feeling like, I had no fight left in me...A fatigued body filled with immense frustration & aggression. The dark circles under my eyes can’t even begin to explain the dark times I endured for 4 long years :) To have steroids substitute cortisol & to live with its innumerable side effects took its toll. There is NOTHING more tiring than to live with a chronic illness," she wrote.
What is Addison's disease?
Addison's disease is an autoimmune disease in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone hormones.
"Addison disease is linked to the primary adrenal insufficiency, and is a rare but serious condition. The disease is caused by inability of adrenal glands—located above the kidneys, to produce enough hormones, such as cortisol and aldosterone. These hormones are essential for regulating blood pressure, metabolism, immune response, and stress management," explains Dr Girish Parmar, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital.
The doctor says that the disease is commonly found among women and in most cases occurs when the immune system impairs the adrenal glands. "Other conditions such as infection or cancer can also cause a similar impact," he adds.
This disease takes a toll on the health because both the hormones are very crucial for human survival. Cortisol hormone helps the body to deal with stress. It maintains the blood pressure, heart function, blood sugar level in the body.
Aldosterone balances the sodium and potassium level in the blood and subsequently controls the functioning of kidneys.
Is there a link between Addison’s disease and heart attack?
"Addison’s patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to the effects of chronic cortisol deficiency in the body," says Dr Parmar.
"Cortisol is a hormone that regulates metabolism, blood sugar levels, and inflammation, and its deficiency can lead to related imbalances in these systems, causing major risk factors of heart diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis. Thus, its essential for individuals with Addison disease to undergo proper hormone replacement therapy. Regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications can play a key role in monitoring cardiovascular health," he explains.
How common is the disease? How many patients do you commonly see?
“Addison disease is a relatively rare condition. Approximately 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 individuals in India suffer from the condition, most of them being women. However, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms promptly, as delayed diagnosis can lead to life-threatening complications,” says Dr Parmar.
“I have treated several patients with Addison’s disease with comprehensive care, including hormone replacement therapy, regular monitoring of their health status, and education about their condition. Early diagnosis and timely treatment, can improve the quality of life of the patients and prevent serious health complications,” he adds.
Addison's disease is characterized by specific symptoms. "Addison’s disease is difficult to diagnose due to non-specific symptoms or warning signs. Most patients experience fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, and low blood pressure," explains Dr Parmar.
"In advanced stages, patients may suffer from skin darkening, especially on the face, hands, and knees, caused by excess production of melanin. Some patients also complain of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a craving for salty foods. Individuals with Addison disease may also experience mood changes, depression, and anxiety," he explains on the symptoms.
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