AHMEDABAD:A 22-year-old engineering student in Ahmedabad was shifted by emergency services EMRI 108 to a city hospital earlier this year with chest compression, perspiration and breathlessness, all symptoms of a massive heart attack. The youngster had all three arteries blocked and underwent a bypass surgery soon after.
If a 22-year-old suffering a cardiac arrest shocks you, analysis of 10-year record of medical emergencies handled by EMRI 108 reveals a significant rise in heart emergencies in the state.
48% hospitalized for cardiac emergencies under 50 yrs
An average of six calls per hour or one call every 10 minutes related to chest pain were received in 2017-18. Follow-up of these cases after 48 hours reveal that three patients suffered cardiac emergencies," said a top EMRI officials.
“Cardiac emergencies rose from 18,647 in 2010-11 to 26,529 in 2017-18.
Roughly speaking, compared to two calls per hour seven years ago, the rate has increased to 3 calls,” said an EMRI official.
Data also revealed a worrisome trend – 48% of patients hospitalized for cardiac emergencies in 2018 were under 50 years of age. Rise is especially alarming in 31-50 years age group.
Interventional cardiologist Dr
Tejas Patel says number of heart emergencies could be even higher. “Apart from 108, a number of citizens seek intervention on their own as well. Symptoms are more complex for young and middle aged who tend to dismiss heart symptoms as muscular pain or uneasiness due to acidity. The senior citizens are more correct and identifying a heart episode and correctly and seek immediate assistance,” he said.
Cardiologist Dr Sameer Dani said early heart attack is a cause of serious concern triggered due to erratic lifestyle and high stress levels. “I now have multiple patients where I have treated three generations of a family. The cardiac diseases are getting younger and deadlier. It is also important to identify symptoms and get timely intervention,” he said.
Cardiac surgeon Dr Anil Jain said that his youngest bypass patient is 22-years old. “A rarity over a decade ago, we routinely operate patients under 50 and 40 years. Gujaratis need to pay attention to heart health, especially given up tobacco and sneak in 30 minutes exercise, three times a week in their life,” said Dr Jain.
Representative image
