Jammu, Mar 03: Dr Sushil Sharma, Head of the Cardiology Department at GMCH Jammu, conducted a day-long cardiac awareness cum health check-up camp at Government High School, Kotli Jijjan, Block Tikri Udhampur.
The camp aimed to increase awareness about the cardinal symptoms of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among the general public and address the issue of misdiagnosis, ensuring that cardiac symptoms are recognized at earlier stages. This initiative aims to facilitate timely referrals to nearby cardiac facilities, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
Dr Sushil highlighted the global significance of cardiovascular health, saying a significant proportion of CVD-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. “Due to limited access to primary health care programs, individuals in these countries often experience late detection and treatment of risk factors for CVDs, leading to premature deaths,” he said.
He explained that heart attacks and strokes, the most common CVDs, are usually acute events caused by blockages in blood vessels supplying the heart or brain, primarily due to fatty deposits.
“Behavioural risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute significantly to heart disease and stroke. These factors may manifest as raised blood pressure, glucose, lipids, and obesity, indicating increased risks of cardiovascular complications,” he said, adding, “Recognizable symptoms of underlying cardiovascular issues may include chest pain or pressure, discomfort in various body parts, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, cold sweats, among others.”
The cardiologist said that sometimes, there are no symptoms of underlying vascular diseases, with a heart attack or stroke being the first sign. “Symptoms of a heart attack may vary, including chest discomfort, breathing difficulties, nausea, light-headedness, and cold sweats,” he said, adding that women may experience different symptoms from men, such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Local community members, including Rameshwer Singh, Jagmohan Singh, Raghuveer Singh, and Ashok Kumar, commended Dr Sushil and his team for organizing the cardiac awareness camp, recognizing its importance in promoting community health. Other participants in the camp, including Dr Venkatesh Yellupu, paramedics, and volunteers, were instrumental in ensuring its success.
