Expressnews
Dr Mehta’s Hospital’s Department of Cardiac Sciences and Emergency Department joins hands to reach out to thousands of Indians at various locations to train them in Basic Life Support (BLS) Skills and First Aid techniques to create 10,000 trained individuals this year in the wake of increased Heart attacks among younger adults, in their late 30s and 40s.
“At age 40, how can he have a heart attack? He was always in great shape and a dedicated gym-goer. I can tell by looking at him that his diet was quite nutritious”. These were the thoughts of many groups after the sudden and untimely demise of few famous individual(s) in recent times, which took the world by storm and served as a wake-up call to many.
There is a common misconception that heart diseases exclusively afflict older adults. It is a myth that young adults have little to no risk. The world we live in is ever-changing so are the risk factors and risk profiles.
Dr Narendhiran Pandurangan, Interventional Cardiologist at Dr Mehta’s Department of Cardiac Sciences, said, “Awareness is scarce, according to World Health Organisation (WHO). In 2016 India reported 63% of deaths due to Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), of which Cardiovascular disease (CVD) holds 27%. CVDs also account for 45% of deaths in the 40-69 age group. Young adults must understand that heart attacks can affect anyone, regardless of age.”
He added, “It is ideal to embrace regular check-ups at 40. The younger generation experiencing mild chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, nausea, or pain in the jaw, neck, or arm should not ignore but rather take heed as these could signify a significant cardiac event and should seek immediate care at tertiary care centre equipped with 24×7 Cardiac critical care.”
Dr Manzoor Shaik, Consultant & Dy. Head – Dr Mehta’s Emergency Department said, “Sudden health emergencies can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. The difference between life and death can sometimes be in the hands of the bystander and their knowledge of BLS Skills before the arrival of EMS professionals to the scene. To improve outcomes, the healthcare fraternity and the common public must work together in partnership to strengthen the chain of survival, which depends on early Recognition | Resuscitation | Response (EMS) of a sudden cardiac event; hence community awareness and training initiatives are extremely pertinent and need of the hour.”
Cardiac & BLS camps are being conducted by Dr Mehta’s at various locations. Training, Consultation with Cardiologist and access to 24×7 Cardiac care are vital features. In the face of this silent epidemic, regular heart check-ups & screenings, alongside consultations with cardiologists, are valuable in assessing individual risk profiles and making informed decisions about heart health.
Prevention and practising precaution remain the cornerstone for combating early heart attacks. Informed trained individuals created through Dr Mehta’s Cardiac and BLS training camp enable everyone to be alert, embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle, and, most importantly, strengthen the chain of survival, thereby improving the health outcomes of their loved ones and strangers.
