When we think of heart attacks, most people imagine common causes like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. But did you know that something as seemingly minor as an insect bite can also trigger a heart attack? This rare condition is called Kounis Syndrome, also known as an Allergic Heart Attack.
On June 6, 2024, a leading Hindi newspaper highlighted a critical issue plaguing India’s healthcare system: heart patients are facing dangerously long waiting times for treatment at major hospitals. At the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, patients needing heart surgery or procedures like angioplasty are waiting up to two years, putting their lives at risk. This blog explores the reasons behind these delays, their impact on patients, and what can be done to address this growing crisis.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often considered a condition that affects older adults or those with unhealthy lifestyles. However, recent data from India paints a concerning picture: hypertension is increasingly affecting younger individuals, including those who appear physically fit and lead active lives. A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals that 30% of Indians suffer from hypertension, with a significant number of cases emerging among the youth. This blog delves into the key findings of the report, explores the causes, and offers insights into how to manage and prevent this silent killer.
The World Heart Day is observed on September 29 every year to raise awareness about heart health and accelerate actions to prevent, detect and manage cardiovascular diseases. As per an estimation, the WHO South-East Asia Region is home to a quarter of the world’s population and the region is experiencing a very high burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for 3.9 million annual deaths, making up 30 per cent of all deaths.
High blood pressure , also known as hypertension, is a serious health problem that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems over time. It occurs when blood pressure measurements are consistently above the normal range. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, and when it is 140/90 mmHg or higher, it is considered high blood pressure. According to JAMA Journal 2019 research, 1 in every 4 adults in India has high BP. Most of these cases are not detected in time.
Over the past decade, Delhi has seen a dramatic rise in obesity among its youth, a trend that is now being linked to an alarming increase in cardiovascular diseases. A recent article published in the Pradesh section of a Hindi newspaper sheds light on this growing health crisis, emphasizing the risks of obesity, particularly for women after menopause, and the urgent need for awareness and lifestyle changes. With insights from cardiologist Dr. Tarun Kumar, this blog explores the causes, risks, and preventive strategies to combat this escalating epidemic.
Air pollution is a growing concern in urban areas, and its impact on health is more severe than most people realize. According to a recent report, polluted air is not only affecting our lungs but also causing serious damage to other vital organs, leading to a sharp rise in hospital admissions. Dr. Ram Manohar Shukla, a senior cardiologist, sheds light on how air pollution contributes to heart attacks, strokes, and other health issues. In this blog, we’ll explore the effects of air pollution on the body and what you can do to protect yourself.
In recent years, the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in individuals under 50 has become a major public health concern. This condition not only affects quality of life but also places a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. Researchers are now investigating potential causes behind this trend, and a new factor has emerged – Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
NEW DELHI: In the last few days, several incidents have come to light where a man suddenly fell due to an attack and died. In an incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, a 48-year-old man died after he suddenly fell while dancing during a birthday party.
In one such incident, Yogesh Gupta, a resident of Jammu, collapsed and died on stage in the middle of his performance. Many such incidents have been reported in the recent past which has sparked a new debate about whether such attacks are on the rise in the post-Covid era.
No, it is not always a heart attack, says Dr (Prof) Tarun Kumar, Professor of Cardiology, RML Hospital. While talking to IANS, he said, “We hear people make these statements often interchangeably when someone has a heart condition. But they are not synonyms”.
“A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, while sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a ‘circulation’ problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an ‘electrical problem’, explained Dr Kumar.
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack, or during recovery. Heart attacks increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks do not lead to sudden cardiac arrest. But when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, a heart attack is a common cause, he said.
Dr Kumar said further that other heart conditions may also disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to sudden cardiac arrest. These include a thickened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation, and long Q-T syndrome. He added further that cardiac arrest is reversible if it is treated within a few minutes. Call for emergency medical services and Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive.
By performing hand CPR, the chances of survival rise to double or triple fold and bystander CPR, it can prove lifesaving in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, he said.
On the rise of such cases post-Covid era, he said this is mainly because of two reasons firstly, because of increase in the incidence of cardiac arrest or heart attack in the general population as the physical activity was reduced during the Covid era and even after that and secondly, because of the wide availability of mobile phone with a camera or CCTV footage, such incidents in no time come to the Internet and go viral, Dr Kumar said.
Apart from heart-related ailments, the pandemic has triggered an array of emotional, physical, and economic issues. The post-Covid emerging literature underlines the impact of various traumatic stressors related to Covid-19 which has already led to diverse mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other trauma- and stress-related disorders adversely affecting both the frontline warrior doctors and the patients.
“Declining mental health remains a silent epidemic in India and the urban lifestyles are primary drivers. Amid the health workers’ emotional toll of caring for the unwell, their own mental health tends to be even more neglected, negatively impacting their physical and emotional health. Their unpredictable and erratic work schedules with long working hours and exposure to human suffering frequently results in mental blockage and burnout,” said Deepak Sharma, Co-Founder and CEO, MedLern.
When healthcare professionals seek treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues, they are frequently regarded as less capable and unpredictable. Emotional, psychological, and social well-being are crucial. The important aspect is how we respond to stress, he said.
The winter season brings with it a soothing coolness and the joy of festivals, but it can also be dangerous for your health. Do you know that cold weather can pose a major threat to your heart? According to experts, the chances of heart attack increase in winter, and cold is the direct reason behind this.
