The Hindu Business Line : Apollo, Johns Hopkins join hands to study heart problems in India

In a bid to discover the unique gene among the Indians that is apparently responsible for the high incidence of cardiac problems, the Apollo Hospitals Group is joining hands with the US-based Johns Hopkins Hospital for a joint research.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Friday, the Apollo Chairman, Dr Pratap C. Reddy, said the research so far failed to discover why the known risk factors that were often associated with heart diseases do not seem to fully account for the high incidence of the disease among the Indians.

`Path-breaking research'

"This is why Apollo is embarking on a path-breaking research to discover the unique gene among Indians. This will then tell us why we have a far higher propensity to heart disease compared to other races. The researchers from Apollo and Johns Hopkins have had the initial rounds of discussions and have drawn up the protocol for the research," Dr Reddy said.

Stating that Apollo is currently in talks with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) for its role in the research, Dr Reddy said more medical institutions both in India and abroad, national and international agencies would also be roped in into the proposed path-breaking initiative.

Maintaining that the research on discovering the `mischief gene' might take years, he said Apollo has earmarked funds of Rs 6 crore to begin with. "Raising funds is not at all a problem. Several domestic and overseas agencies and institutions are keen on taking part in such remarkable project."

Mischief gene

According to Dr Reddy, once the `mischief gene' is unearthed then the research scope would be widened to modify the gene or neutralise its inimical properties through the use the latest advances in genomics, proteonomics, nano technology and translational research.

"The discovery of the gene will be a boon for all Indians and to the world at large. It will dramatically reduce or possibly eradicate the scourge of heart disease from the face of India. No more surgeries. No more traumas. Apollo awaits this happy day for India," Dr Reddy said.

National Heart Plan

Pending research, Apollo Hospitals Group proposes to embark upon National Heart Plan in partnership with the Indian medical fraternity in a comprehensive approach to reducing the burden of heart disease in the country. Towards this, it plans to adopt multi-pronged strategy of creating awareness, popularising preventive heart checks, early and effective treatment and wellness approach to help prevent the disease in those at risk.

According to Dr Reddy, the Group is launching a major campaign on heart diseases titled `Get Heart Smart' to empower the common man about preventive aspects of heart disease, including diet, exercise, life style management etc. All the 39 hospitals, 50 clinics and over 200 pharmacies belonging to the Group would be part of this campaign, he said.