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Sudden Cardiac Deaths Amongst Indians: Nearly 60% Of Patients Die Before Reaching The Hospital

Cardiac Surgeon Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre explains why there is rise in cases of sudden cardiac deaths among Indian population.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : April 22, 2023 11:13 AM IST

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Sudden Cardiac Deaths

The prevalence of sudden cardiac deaths is increasing in India, particularly in urban areas, which may be ascribed to the country's worrisome rise in the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and hypertension. “The real-time estimates of sudden cardiac death are lacking in India because we don’t have an official registration system. But the total number of sudden cardiac deaths is rising among our population, and this is concerning. We must be very proactive to fight this epidemic of heart disease,” says Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai The Cardiac Surgeon tells us more about the causes and risk factors for sudden cardiac death among Indian population.

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Risk Factors For Sudden Cardiac Death

The risk for sudden cardiac death increases with age, men and women in their 5th and 6th decade of life are at high risk. The modern urban lifestyle with psychological variables, increasing alcohol intake, smoking, or tobacco chewing, obesity, low levels of physical activity are associated with the risk of SCD. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels are also contributing factors.  Also Read - Prashant Tamang Dies Of Cardiac Arrest At 43: Why Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Young Adults | Doctor Explains

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Many Patients Die Before Reaching The Hospital

The period to reach the hospital after a patient develops symptoms of cardiac origin is lengthier among Indian population. We tend to relate it to gas symptoms and start home treatment for that, so the golden time is lost and nearly 60 per cent of the people are lost (fatality) prior to reaching the hospital. Thus, hospital-based MI therapy and medications or primary angioplasty are given to only 40 per cent of patients who reach the hospital.

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Emergency Measures To Avoid Sudden Cardiac Death

We also need to educate our population about emergency measures if someone collapses in the nearby vicinity. Our response to such situations must be used for CPR techniques and get life-saving defibrillation.