Heart Attack Emergencies (img: Envato Elements)

Amidst the rising threat of COVID-19 across the country, another medical epidemic, heart attacks, is affecting numerous lives across the state.

As per this year’s numbers of the Emergency Management & Research Institute (EMRI) which provides ambulance service 108 in the state, a total of 66,397 heart-related emergency calls were made from January to November.

More than 200 heart-related emergency calls were made on a daily basis this year, proving that medical emergencies are a growing threat across the state.

Heart-related emergencies on the rise

An increase of 55% has been reported this year in heart-related emergency calls as compared to 2021. A total of 42,555 calls were reported in 2021 while, 56,277 calls were registered in 2022.

This October, during Navratri, the highest number of emergency calls were registered, at a total of 6,763. November came in a close second, with 6,254 emergency calls.

Increasing deaths due to heart attacks

According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data released on Dec 6, Gujarat saw an increase in heart attack cases in 2022 at an alarming rate.

Sudden deaths due to heart attacks took nearly 2,853 lives this year. However, this number was a staggering 2,948 in 2021.

According to a report, around 1,000 people have died in the state in the last six months due to heart attacks. Around 80% of the deceased were between the ages of 11 and 25.

A recent such case was that of a class 10 boy who died after suffering a heart attack while taking his exam in Kutch.

Doctors recommend remedies for cardiovascular diseases

As per medical experts, the spike in emergency calls could be explained by a growth in heart problems seen during the winter.

However, a below-par winter this year has kept the emergency calls under control during November and December.

According to medical professionals, there is a minor rise in cardiovascular cases noted in the morning.

Medical practitioners attribute several factors behind this phenomenon, including altering plasma levels, blood clotting, a total increase in platelets, differing blood pressure and cholesterol, changes in endocrine, an increase in the demand-supply ratio of blood, an increase in levels of catecholamines and vasoconstriction, or an increase in body metabolic, among others.

As per doctors, these factors lead to an increase in heart-related problems.

Healthcare professionals advise that individuals with cardiovascular conditions adhere to a routine medication schedule, follow prescribed exercise regimen, embrace a wholesome lifestyle and dietary habits, refrain from smoking, wear appropriate clothing in winter, and undergo necessary treatments against infections.

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