Rise in cardiac arrest-related deaths; people throng hospitals for screening

Mysuru: Three more deaths due to cardiac arrest have been reported from Hassan district on Tuesday. The number of cardiac arrest related deaths has crossed 23 in the last 45 days, up to July 1.

The rise in deaths, due to cardiac arrests, especially among the younger generation across the state being reported widely, has created an anxiety among the people, especially youths, who have been thronging the hospitals, for preliminary checkups.

The Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences in Mysuru city is witnessing a huge rush over the last few days. The number of outpatients that used to be around 300, has now almost doubled.

An employee of Jayadeva said heart patients from not only Mysuru district, but also from Hassan, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts are visiting in large numbers every day, for checkup. "The Outpatient Department (OPD) registers around 300 patients on an average every day. But over the last few days, it has doubled. This is due to the reports of cardiac arrest related deaths among youths. The huge rush is putting pressure on the OPD," he said.

The last time the hospital witnessed such a huge rush was following the demise of actor Puneeth Rajkumar, due to cardiac arrest. Now, they are visiting the hospital even at a small discomfort and pain, out to fear.

Sumangala, a patient from KR Nagar taluk, said, she visits the hospital for regular monthly checkups. "There used to be patients from other taluks and districts waiting in a queue right from the morning at the hospital. But this month, the crowd is almost the double," she said.

According to Dr K S Sadanand, Medical Superintendent of Jayadeva, cardiac arrests, which were common among the people above 50 years, are now being reported among young people, below 30 years. "The cardiologists have identified that diabetes, blood pressure, obesity, stress, liquor consumption and pollution are the causes for cardiac arrests. The Cardiological Society of India (Mysuru Chapter) is also studying the causes," he said.

Hassan District Health Officer Dr H Anil said, "Following a rise in deaths due to cardiac arrest, a committee has been formed to study the cardiac arrest cases in Hassan district. Lack of physical exercise, change in lifestyle and neglecting regular medical checkups are the causes for heart attacks."