Expert says lifestyle can replace by-pass surgery

(CNS): A cardiac expert says bypass surgeries could be replaced with lifestyle changes and proper medication. With 41% of deaths in the Cayman Islands heart-disease related, Dr Michael Ozner believes that if local physicians take a preventative approach with the  right treatment at the right time  cardiovascular disease can be eliminated from the local population.  Speaking at a conference last Friday to discuss his Six Week Cardiac Makeover. Dr Ozner, a renowned advocate for heart disease prevention, offered advice and strategies to a group of local and international healthcare professionals

With new developments to help beat the deadly disease, Dr Ozner is promoting alternatives to the increasingly popular by-pass surgery as a solution to Cayman’s growing weight problems. In the past, doctors have measured patients’ cholesterol levels to determine the risks of heart attacks and strokes but warned of the shortcomings with this approach.

“We were measuring the wrong thing,” he said. “We should have been measuring the particles that carry cholesterol.” He urged the public to get frequent medical check-ups when healthy. “Don’t wait until you’re sick,” he added

Mark Scotland, the local health minister who has also been a strong advocate of healthier lifestyles as a way of dealing with the country’s increasing health bill, said Cayman was continually looking for ways to improve medical resources.

“Our nation’s primary asset is our people, and the health of our community should take priority in everything we do,” he said.