Handigodu Syndrome

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Handigodu Syndrome

Handigodu syndrome or Handigodu Joint disease is an inherited disorder mainly characterized by osteoarthropathy. It was mainly endemic to Malnad region in Karnataka state, India. It is scientifically known as spondylo epi (meta) physeal dysplasia. It affects spine, epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones of the limbs. 

Prevalence of this disease is not relevant nowadays, as it confined to specific geographic parts of the villages, Karnataka, India.It is a progressive skeletal disorder, starting with severe hip and joint pain, forces the patient to crawl and then, cripples. Most of them are short statured because of spine involvement.

The causative factors are uncertainly defined. It may be due to consanguinity, low protein intake and environmental toxins.

Regarding management of the handigodu disease, patients are treated for pain and swelling with analgesics but no cure.

Coronary Artery Diseases

Coronary Artery Diseases

The epidemic of coronary artery diseases is widely prevalent among Indian population. Four people die of heart attack every minute in India and the age group is mainly between 30 and 50 years. This is not frighten you, but to provide a wake-up call.

Risk factors of coronary artery diseases

It might be due to genetic predisposition leading to premature coronary artery diseases and anatomical abnormalities such as dilated coronary arteries called ectasia with pro thrombotic (easy clot forming) tendency.

Other risk factors are diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, obesity, smoking, sedentary life style, smoking, alcoholism, consumption of fast foods and high level of stress.

Symptoms

• Unstable Angina- Central crushing chest pain or discomfort, which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach and back. Constant dull pain or heavy feeling on chest, not relieved by rest, Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets or sublingual spray.
• Stable Angina- Chest pain on physical activity but settles after a period of rest, Glyceryl Trinitrate tablets or sublingual spray.

Management

• Emergency management for unstable angina- It is life threatening, so that, seek medical help immediately. Call an ambulance, go to nearby specialist hospital.
• Emergency management for stable angina- Consult specialist soon. Medical management includes drugs e.g. cholesterol lowering medications, beta blockers, nitroglycerin and calcium antagonists etc.
• Surgical management- It includes coronary interventions such as angioplasty, coronary stent and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Prevention

The public should be educated about risk factors through awareness programs. Focus on ‘stop smoking and alcoholism’ and 'dietary approach' means avoid fatty foods and eat at regular intervals. The regular exercises and outdoor games are essential to keep every one healthy.

They should watch their BMI (for details see (http://understandhealthtips.blogspot.in/2014/10/body-mass-index.html)) and waist hip ratio (for details see(http://understandhealthtips.blogspot.in/2014/10/waist-hip-ratio.html)). Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids under control. Do annual screening periodically (for details see(http://understandhealthtips.blogspot.in/2014/11/annual-health-check-up.html)).