Actor Sivakumar receives the first copy of the booklet from Governor K Rosaiah

“The weakened heart must work harder to keep up with the demands of the body, which is why people with heart failure often complain of feeling tired” said Dr.G. Sengottugvelu, who came up with a 20 page booklet ‘All about heart failure and devices’ on Wednesday. The booklet was released by Governor K Rosaiah at Raj Bhavan and the first copy was received by actor Sivakumar, Dr. Sengottuvelu laid emphasis on the fact that the heart was a very specialised muslce, requiring optimal performance from both its electrical and plumbing systems. Any serious lapse in its functioning, therefore, may have fatal consequences, be said. With vaious campaigns and events that take place on a reqular basis, awareness on heart disease among the public is definitely high, opined Dr.Sengottuvelu, senior cardiologist. However, people were still surrounded with half - truths, myths and misconceptions about heart diseases, according to him. “Hence, the booklet aims to bring out certain facts to the public domain in a bid to create a well aware and health - conscious people. Accompanied with illustrations, the booklet begins with the basic question. “What is heart failure”? In simple layman terms, the booklet goes on to describe the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of the heart condition. Keeping in mind the existing confusion between heart failure, heart attack and cardiac arrest, the Dr.Sengottuvelu has pointed out the differences between the three and has also explained the treatment options available. More importantly, the booklet throws light on various implantable devices used for cardiac rhythm management and how patients must learn to live the them. Praising the initiative as “really useful”, Governor Rosaiah suggested that the booklet be brought out in regional languages like Tamil and Telugu to benefit a larger section of people. For free copies of the booklet. PRO: Johnson Kumar srinivas Photo/video journalist