Imagine a young and healthy man in his early 20s aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force being turned down due to a hitherto unknown heart murmur picked up during his medical evaluation! He was devastated, his dream was shattered and he was left to deal with a diagnosis of a congenital heart valve disease. The only silver lining was that it was not a life-threatening condition and he just needed to stay on a regular follow-up.
The next two decades saw this determined and gritty guy grow both professionally and personally into an admirable and well accomplished entrepreneur, business executive and a loving husband and father. While busy with life’s multiple roles, he remained consistent in his fitness endeavours, trained relentlessly, and went on to participate in eight consecutive annual marathons!
Despite an angioplasty to address his coronary blocks in his mid 50s and an open heart surgery to replace his diseased heart valve in the subsequent year, his passion for holistic health and wellbeing endured! We at Cardiac Wellness Institute have had the privilege to work closely with him for the past three months, guiding him in his personalised cardiac rehab program and learning several life lessons from him along the way.
In fact, he is currently on a high intensity interval training (HIIT) regimen along with strength training and balance exercises and is making excellent progress. We are confident he will be back on the tracks for this year’s race and next year’s half marathon with our team of rehab professionals cheering him loudly and applauding his commitment to live life to the fullest.
Let us hear from our real-life hero himself on the ups and downs of his life and some insights into how he coped with the unexpected hurdles and eventually converted them into stepping stones.
Q. How did you feel when you first got to know about your cardiac condition?
A. I was in a state of denial as it was identified in the Air Force Physical examination. I believed that the whole thing was an error as I was physically active and played cricket in both my school and college years, and therefore, wasn’t mentally prepared to accept this news.
Q. When many of us get bogged down by an unexpected diagnosis, what motivated you to participate in long-distance running?
A. As I was in a state of denial, I wanted to prove to myself that I am in good health. I am someone who prefers to push myself by engaging in physical activities like climbing temples atop hills without a break, playing badminton, and doing yoga, all of which make me feel fresh. In fact, in June 2023, two months prior to having an angioplasty, I completed 108 Suryanamaskarams in a stretch.
Q. What are your hobbies? Is there something that you wish to learn afresh?
A. I enjoy engaging in physically challenging hobbies. I enjoy playing sports like badminton and cricket, and go by the motto “Whenever possible, walk; wherever possible walk”. Learning music is something I’ve always wanted to do.
Q. As a busy business consultant and investor, how do you find the time for your passions?
A. Whenever you want to do something new, you have to create time for it. For instance, when I decided to incorporate yoga and workouts in my daily routine, I set aside time to do it by waking up an hour early.
Q. Could you describe what your biggest hurdles were while recovering from your recent open heart surgery and how you have overcome them?
A. I was confused about what I should be doing to help my recovery. Once I enrolled in the Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Cardiac Wellness Institute, they helped me in a personalised manner with a systematic and scientific approach.
Q. What aspects of your Cardiac Rehabilitation program have you enjoyed the most?
A. I enjoy doing strength training and core exercises, and approaching it with confidence. Likewise, my doubts were addressed, giving me peace of mind.
I would like to add here that my cardiac rehab team comprising of Dr. Priya Chockalingam, Ms. Agalya and Ms. Rupini, is friendly. They pay close attention to details, show interest, and ensure that patients are doing things right. It is gentle and makes me feel good.
I am also glad that the cardiac rehab program is evidence-based, cost-effective and has good value for money and it is the best way to prevent future health complications and hospitalisations. I have completed 12 sessions in Phase 1 of my cardiac rehab program and am now enrolled in Phase 2.
Q . What is your health and fitness goal for 2025, 2026, and beyond?
A. In the years ahead, my goal is to continue participating in International Yoga Day, run a 10 km marathon, or maybe even a half marathon. I would also love to resume playing cricket and badminton, as well as continue climbing those hilltop temples.
Q When you are stressed out or anxious, what coping strategies do you use?
A. I have been meditating for the past 10 years, and I use meditation as a coping strategy.
Q. As a technology expert, what do you think is the future of health tech?
A. My vision for the future in health technology is personalisation of healthcare, early detection of risk factors, prevention of disease, and evidence-based rehab and recovery.
Q. Can you share your most treasured life event with our readers?
A. Every moment is a treasured moment, that is how I approach life.
