Problem Highlights Alarming Healthcare Gaps
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Nov 23: Heart attacks, once considered a condition predominantly affecting older individuals, are now increasingly claiming the lives of younger people in Kashmir. The trend has raised serious concerns among medical professionals, as highlighted by Dr. Sajaad Manzoor, a renowned cardiologist, during an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch.
Dr. Sajaad, who holds multiple qualifications, including MBBS, DNB Cardiology, and international fellowships, underscored the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that while modern medicine has made heart attacks largely preventable with timely intervention, Kashmir lags far behind in providing the necessary facilities and apart from Srinagar, there are no facilities in the other districts of Kashmir, even in government hospitals, that can adequately handle heart attacks. He said there is no doubt about the expertise of the highly qualified doctors here, without proper facilities, there is little they can do in critical heart attack cases. Medical professionals may be able to provide injections and medications, but ultimately, this is inadequate.
While discussing the rising incidence of heart attacks among young people, Dr. Sajaad identified smoking as the primary cause.
He said smoking is extremely harmful as it restricts blood supply to the heart. As a result, the younger generation’s habits of smoking and engaging in other vices significantly contribute to their risk of heart attacks.
He said that heart attack cases double during the winter months. If there are typically 10 cases treated daily in the summer, that number automatically doubles in winter.
The winter season in Kashmir is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks, which is a major contributing factor. Therefore, for young individuals with a history of smoking or drug use, this can lead to unexpected fatalities.
Dr. Sajaad emphasized the importance of prevention over cure. By focusing on self-awareness and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, the number of heart attacks can certainly decrease.
He advised young individuals to avoid smoking and drugs, as these habits are particularly harmful.
For those over the age of 50, he suggested that if they do not smoke, they should regularly consult a cardiologist for routine assessments and check-ups to help identify any heart issues before they become severe.
For individuals who are diabetic, hypertensive, or smokers, he recommended basic diagnostic procedures such as an ECG or treadmill test conducted by a cardiologist.
Moreover, anyone experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain while engaging in physical activity should seek immediate medical attention to prevent a heart attack and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Sajaad noted that Wazwan is a common delicacy in Kashmir and urged individuals to be mindful of their caloric intake, whether they aim to lose weight or maintain a steady weight. Monitoring calorie consumption is essential, and excess intake should be avoided.
He advised steering clear of oily foods, as they can lead to various health issues. Paying attention to these dietary aspects can contribute to a healthier life.
He pointed out that an individual’s health, appearance, and susceptibility to illnesses are significantly influenced by their diet.
Given that Kashmir is a colder region where people tend to consume a lot of non-vegetarian food, it is vital to keep track of calories. Engaging in regular physical activity and achieving a balanced diet is important for a healthy lifestyle he said.
He emphasized the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education not only among doctors and healthcare employees but also for everyone, as it can help save many lives.
Dr. Sajaad lamented that the concept of CPR is virtually unknown in Kashmir. CPR is crucial when a patient is unconscious or has suffered a heart attack; if the general public is trained to administer CPR in such situations, they can make a significant difference while waiting for emergency services to arrive, ultimately saving many lives.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
