Heart Attacks: Don’t Panic but Act

Heart attacks are often panicked as the last straw on the camel’s back; but with the advent of modern treatment it is no more that disastrous. Survival rates for a heart attack vary. The overall in-hospital survival rates  has been approximately 90% to 97%, without a doubt. Specifically, survival rate depends upon some critical factors like Severity and type, age, gender, comorbidity diseases. Most importantly,  whether one can reach the medical facilities within the golden hour.

How quickly the treatment begins plays the pivotal role in survival. The countries like China and India records highest heart attack rates due to their large populations. The report reveals that highest number of heart-attack casualties occurred in China, followed by India, Russia, the US and Indonesia.

Heart Attacks In India

In the Indian context, some research estimates the death toll of heart attack is 36,000 in 2024, while it was 34,000 in 2023. Survival rates become lower for economically disadvantaged groups and remote villagers due to less access to timely and appropriate treatment. Data from government schemes like Ayushman Bharat shows that heart disease is a major area for medical claims, including angioplasty, reflecting its impact across different income groups.

Golden Hour in Heart Attacks

The sudden heart attack is the main threat and one has to reach the medical facilities within the golden hours. The widely popular term heart in the context of Heart attack is the “golden hour” referring to the critical first 60 minutes after symptoms begin. In major cases, as report reveals, that careless attitude and inability to comprehend the symptoms have often worsens the situation. Unfortunately, many patients fail to recognize the early signs or dismiss them as minor issues.

Let’s take an example, when one has returned from a party after a heavy dinner, and facing minor chest pain. The patient immediately considers it to be the result of acidity and takes antacid for the relief. Even if the sufferings continue, he neglects with the thought of hyper-acidity.

Its always suggested that if the pain continues, its better to go to a doctor and get an ECG done.

But the people seldom attempt to consult the medical practitioner. Consequently, it increases the chance of fatal consequences.

A growing concern

The rise of heart attack is linked to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, stress, and unhealthy diets. The present socio-economic conditions and the immense pressure on the individual workforce contributes largely to the above factors. A major chunk of people is virtually sitting in front of their laptop for continuously 10-12 hours. They often succumb to the tremendous stress level of their jobs besides family and social complications.

The nuclear family concept coupled with a major section of women being the part of workforce, they hardly get time to cook and prefers to order food.

The online agencies with their lucrative advertisement are omnipresent to serve their delights to the doorsteps. One can find the Swiggy or Zomato shirt worn guys are rushing their bikes to reach the customers.

Unfortunately, the social fabrics of today’s world fail to show due diligence of rudimentary lifestyle. The advertisement driven world alures us for a better life style, which leads to such sedentary lifestyle; notwithstanding its long-term dreaded scourge of mind and health.

What’s the Way Forward?

The answer lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

• Regular exercise or workouts
• Reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Following a heart-healthy diet
• Prioritizing mental well-being and stress management

Equally important are routine health check-ups, which play a vital role in the early detection and management of risk factors. With rising cases of cardiac-related deaths among young people in India, routine health screening should become a norm regardless of age.

Note: However, treat the above just as suggestions based on advices and notes. If you have got any problem, please consult your physician and go as per his advice