Painkillers may increase risk of cardiac arrest

Painkillers may increase risk of cardiac arrest Pain is one of the most common presenting complaints of patients. And, painkillers are the most widely used drugs, whether taken OTC or prescribed. But, they have side-effects and their adverse effects on GIT, kidney, heart and liver have been well-documented. Now a new research published in the March 2017 issue of European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy has shown an association of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especialy diclofenac and ibuprofen, to increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. All patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark between 2001 and 2010 were identified from the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry. Data was collected on all redeemed prescriptions for NSAIDs from Danish pharmacies since 1995. These included the non-selective NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen), and COX-2 selective inhibitors (rofecoxib, celecoxib). A total of 28,947 patients had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark during the 10-year period. Of these, 3,376 were treated with an NSAID up to 30 days before the event. Ibuprofen and diclofenac were the most commonly used NSAIDs, making up 51% and 22% of total NSAID use, respectively. Use of any NSAID was associated with a 31% increased risk of cardiac arrest. Diclofenac and ibuprofen were associated with a 50% and 31% increased risk, respectively. Naproxen, celecoxib and rofecoxib were not associated with the occurrence of cardiac arrest, probably due to a low number of events. It is a common perception amongst the public that OTC drugs are safe because they are available over the counter. However, this study further highlights the fact that though available without a doctor’s prescription, OTC drug does not mean that it can be taken without a doctor’s advice. If not taken as directed, painkillers can cause side effects, at times potentially dangerous. (Source: ESC Press release, March 15, 2017)

Do CPR for 30 mins before transporting cardiac arrest victims to hospital

Do CPR for 30 mins before transporting cardiac arrest victims to hospital Quite often we read about people collapsing due to a cardiac arrest. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam collapsed while he was addressing students in Shillong. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but could not be revived. More recently, Mr E Ahamed, Member of Parliament collapsed in the Parliament after he suffered cardiac arrest and passed away. Such instances bring CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation back into the spotlight. The first instinct is to immediately rush a person to the hospital when you see somebody collapse suddenly. But at times, a first responder CPR may help revive the person until medical help arrives or a defibrillator is available. Recently, a story was reported at WPRI News in February (Feb 16, 2017) about a major change in prehospital protocol policy in Rhode Island, USA for First Responders for the management of victims of cardiac arrest, which said: “Starting March 1, as dictated by the Rhode Island Department of Health, emergency response personnel will be required to conduct 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, on cardiac arrest victims before transporting them to the hospital.” The American Heart Association (AHA) has published updated Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care in October 2015 in the journal Circulation, with some updates while continuing to emphasize on the characteristics of high-quality CPR: compressing the chest at an adequate rate and depth, allowing complete chest recoil after each compression (avoid leaning on the chest between compressions), minimizing interruptions in compressions, and avoiding excessive ventilation. • The recommended chest compression rate have been updated to 100-120/ min from the earlier at least 100/min. • The recommendation for chest compression depth for adults is at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm). The earlier recommendation was at least 2 inches (5 cm). • Chest compression should be started first before rescue breaths (C-A-B rather than A-B-C). The single rescuer should begin CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. While the updated AHA guideline has refrained from recommending a duration of resuscitation, it does state as follows: “While investigators can define neither an optimal duration of resuscitation before the termination of efforts nor which patients may benefit from prolonged efforts at resuscitation, extending the duration of resuscitation may be a means of improving survival in selected hospitalized patients.” The premise of a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is earlier the better and longer the better. When you come across a victim of cardiac arrest, three simple rules must be followed: Call the ambulance, check if the person is breathing or has a pulse and if not, then start chest compressions and continue for at least 30 minutes till medical help arrives. Don’t stop CPR too soon … Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA and HCFI

Timely action is of key essence while dealing with patients who have suffered a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke

Timely action is of key essence while dealing with patients who have suffered a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke New Delhi, 06th October 2016: In India, around a third of the population suffers from degenerative diseases like ischemic heart issues, chronic obstructive pulmonary problems and stroke. These diseases also known as the leading killers were also accountable for 30 percent of all deaths in 2013. Stroke and heart disease are leading causes of death and disability in India. The estimated prevalence rate of stroke in the country ranges from 84-262 per 100,000 population in rural and 334-424 per 100,000 populations in urban areas. Approximately 40% of patients with stroke succumb to their illness. Both heart attack and stroke are caused by interruptions in the normal flow of blood to the heart or brain, the organs that are the most essential to life. This happens when the cells present in the heart and brain don’t get enough access to the oxygen-rich blood and other nutrients. In such a case, these heart and brain cells begin to malfunction and die. This cell death can set off a series of harmful effects throughout the body resulting in familiar symptoms of a heart or brain emergency. However, one must remember is that heart attacks and strokes are not the same. While one affects the heart, the other damages the brain. Speaking about the issue, Padma Shree Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India and President Elect IMA said, “Stroke-like heart disease is a lifestyle induced ailment aggravated due to obesity, physical inactivity, regular heavy or binge drinking, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, sleep apnea, family history and heart disease. Timely recognition of symptoms and seeking emergency help is key to saving lives. Just like in sudden cardiac arrest deaths every minute lost in performing hands-only CPR decreases the chances of a person's revival by 10%, every minute lost in getting medical attention increases chances of death and disability. India is facing a stroke and heart disease epidemic, and we must work towards amending our high-stress lifestyle to reverse this trend and save lives. ” The most common symptoms of heart attack include crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing. A heart attack might also cause cold sweats, racing heart, pain in the left arm, jaw stiffness, or shoulder pain. Additionally, many don't know that women often have different heart attack symptoms than men. For instance, instead of having chest pain during a heart attack, women may feel exhausted and fatigued or have indigestion and nausea. The symptoms of stroke include sudden difficulty seeing, speaking, or walking, and feelings of weakness, numbness, dizziness, and confusion. Some people get a severe headache that’s immediate and strong, different from any kind they’ve ever had. It is important to differentiate the conditions and seek immediate help when faced with such situations. One should never neglect the even the smallest symptoms. In the case of stroke, the F.A.S.T technique should be used to detect the conditions and save lives. • Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? • Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? • Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly? • If the answers to these questions are yes, then it is Time to call your doctor immediately. Lifestyle changes are also a must. People often remain unaware of the consequences of their choices on their health. The risk of a stroke and heart disease in a smoker is double when compared to a non-smoker. Smoking increases clot formation, thickens the blood, and increases the amount of plaque build-up in the arteries of both he heart and brain. In addition to this, obesity puts a strain on the entire circulatory system. It can also make people more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which can increase stroke and heart disease risk. Alcohol use is also very dangerous. A healthy diet comprising of fruits, vegetables, and low trans fats is a must for the prevention of lifestyle diseases.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation not essential for saving a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation not essential for saving a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Hands only CPR is an effective and easy to learn life-saving technique and it can help revive sudden cardiac arrest patients if administered within the first ten minutes of their death New Delhi, June 11, 2016: Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer in India taking an estimated 25 lakh lives annually. According to the data revealed by the Delhi Economical Survey, 150 to 250 deaths happen in the city every single day. Out of these 25 – 45 deaths occur suddenly. With 60% of the people dying before they reach the hospital and the large number of sudden cardiac arrest victims; it is essential that each one of us must know the essential life-saving technique of hands only CPR – 10. A simple and easy to learn technique, Hands only CPR 10 does not require any mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can be performed by anyone. Heart Care Foundation of India, a non-profit organization working towards raising health awareness in the country has been training people in this life-saving technique for over two years now. It has successfully trained over 1,50,000 people till now in Delhi NCR itself including 100% of the Delhi Police PCR van staff. The NGO holds three Limca Book of World Records for the maximum number of people trained at a time, at the same place and in an hour. Educating the public, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal - President of Heart Care Foundation of India and Honorary Secretary General of IMA said, “The hands only CPR 10 mantra is extremely simple to rememeber and can help save a person’s life. It does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing unless the victim has died due to drowning or is a small child. What each of us need to remember is that within 10 minutes of death (earlier the better), for a minimum of 10 minutes (the longer the better), compress the center of the chest of the deceased person continuously and effectively with a speed of 10×10 = 100 per minute. Chest compression should be stopped only when the person starts breathing or the ambulance arrives.” The first few minutes of death of a sudden cardiac arrest victim are crucial since the more time that passes, the lesser the chances of their revival through CPR. One must not waste any time and start chest compressions immediately if the victim has no pulse and is not breathing. A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical conducting system of the heart fails and the heartbeats irregularly and very fast (more than 1000 times, technically called as ventricular fibrillation). Soon after the heart suddenly stops beating and the blood flow to the brain stops. As a result, the person becomes unconscious and stops normal breathing. A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, but it may be caused by a heart attack. In most cases, sudden cardiac arrest may be reversible in the first 10 minutes. This is possible because the brain remains alive during this period when the heart and respiration have stopped, a situation called clinical death. To know more or to organize a training camp in your locality, please call the NGO’s helpline number 9958771177.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation not essential for saving a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation not essential for saving a sudden cardiac arrest victim

Hands only CPR is an effective and easy to learn life-saving technique and it can help revive sudden cardiac arrest patients if administered within the first ten minutes of their death

New Delhi, June 11, 2016: Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer in India taking an estimated 25 lakh lives annually. According to the data revealed by the Delhi Economical Survey, 150 to 250 deaths happen in the city every single day. Out of these 25 – 45 deaths occur suddenly. With 60% of the people dying before they reach the hospital and the large number of sudden cardiac arrest victims; it is essential that each one of us must know the essential life-saving technique of hands only CPR – 10. A simple and easy to learn technique, Hands only CPR 10 does not require any mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can be performed by anyone.

Heart Care Foundation of India, a non-profit organization working towards raising health awareness in the countryhas been training people in this life-saving technique for over two years now. It has successfully trained over 1,50,000 people till now in Delhi NCR itself including 100% of the Delhi Police PCR van staff. The NGO holds three Limca Book of World Records for the maximum number of people trained at a time, at the same place and in an hour.

Educating the public, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal - President of Heart Care Foundation of India and Honorary Secretary General of IMA said, “The hands only CPR 10 mantra is extremely simple to rememeber and can help save a person’s life. It does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing unless the victim has died due to drowning or is a small child. What each of us need to remember is that within 10 minutes of death (earlier the better), for a minimum of 10 minutes (the longer the better), compress the center of the chest of the deceased person continuously and effectively with a speed of 10×10 = 100 per minute. Chest compression should be stopped only when the person starts breathing or the ambulance arrives.”

The first few minutes of death of a sudden cardiac arrest victim are crucial since the more time that passes, the lesser the chances of their revival through CPR. One must not waste any time and start chest compressions immediately if the victim has no pulse and is not breathing.

A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical conducting system of the heart fails and the heartbeats irregularly and very fast (more than 1000 times, technically called as ventricular fibrillation). Soon after the heart suddenly stops beating and the blood flow to the brain stops. As a result, the person becomes unconscious and stops normal breathing. A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, but it may be caused by a heart attack. In most cases, sudden cardiac arrest may be reversible in the first 10 minutes. This is possible because the brain remains alive during this period when the heart and respiration have stopped, a situation called clinical death. 

To know more or to organize a training camp in your locality, please call the NGO’s helpline number 9958771177.

Yet another life lost to sudden cardiac arrest; Actor Rajak Khan dies at the age of 62

Yet another life lost to sudden cardiac arrest; Actor Rajak Khan dies at the age of 62

Sudden cardiac death is preventable and reversible if mass level awareness is raised about its warning signs as well as how to perform the life-saving technique of hands-only CPR 10

New Delhi, June 2, 2016: Actor Rajak Khan died at the age of 62 yesterday. With another life lost at a relatively young age due to a sudden cardiac arrest, the Heart Care Foundation of India and Indian Medical Association urged the medical fraternity to raise awareness. A sudden cardiac arrest has some basic warning signs and it is crucial that every person above the age of 30 is made aware about them. Death due to a sudden cardiac arrest can also be reversed within 10 minutes if hands only CPR 10 is performed on the patient. It is an easy to learn technique, and must be taught to the entire population at large.

A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical conducting system of the heart fails and the heart beats irregularly and very fast (more than 1000 times, technically called as ventricular fibrillation). Soon after the heart suddenly stops beating and the blood flow to the brain stops. As a result, the person becomes unconscious and stops normal breathing. A cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, but it may be caused by a heart attack. In most cases, sudden cardiac arrest may be reversible in the first 10 minutes. This is possible because the brain remains alive during this period when the heart and respiration have stopped, a situation called clinical death. 

Continuous compression only CPR compresses the heart between the sternum and the backbone and builds up the pressure that keeps the oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and keeps the person alive until a defibrillator becomes available or expert medical help arrives. Therefore, if you see someone collapse from sudden cardiac arrest, acting promptly can save his or her life. It is important to act quickly for every minute lost reduces the chances of revival by 10%. So, if you wait 5 minutes, the chances of surviving are 50% less. The earlier you give CPR to a person in cardiac arrest, the greater the chance of a successful resuscitation.

Speaking about the initiative, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India & Honorary Secretary General IMA said, “We mourn the death of actor Rajak Khan. Around 240,000 people die every year due to heart attacks and we believe that 50% of them can be saved if 20% of the population learns hands only CPR. The technique is easy to learn, can be performed by anyone and is extremely effective. What people need to remember is two things, one CPR must not be practiced on a person who is breathing, has a pulse rate and is clinically alive. It must be administered within ten minutes of someone's death and continued till the ambulance arrives or the person is revived. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and a simple formula can help save a loved one's life”

“The Heart Care Foundation of India Hands- Only CPR 10 mantra is: Within 10 minutes of death (earlier the better), for a minimum of 10 minutes (adults 25 minutes and children 35 minutes), compress the center of the chest of the deceased person continuously and effectively with a speed of 10×10 = 100 per minute” he added

Most patient’s who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest would have some mild warning symptoms, but these often go ignored.  It is important to remember the following points

·         Do not ignore symptoms like of first attack of acidity or asthma after the age 30

·         Do not ignore non localized chest pain lasting more than 30 seconds

·         Do not ignore heaviness in the center of the chest

·         Do not ignore burning or heaviness in the center of the chest

·         Do not ignore diffuse tightness in the center of the chest

·         Do not ignore jaw pain after exertion

·         Do not ignore early morning chest discomfort

·         Do not ignore breathlessness upon exertion

·         Do not ignore chest pain radiating to left arm or back

·         Do not ignore unexplained sweating or tiredness

If found to be suffering from any of these, immediately chew 3000 mg water soluble aspirin and rush to the nearest doctor. If someone starts gasping due to a cardiac arrest give a heart message or cardio pulmonary resuscitation. No one should be declared dead without CPR procedure.

To know more or to organize a training camp in your locality, please call the NGO’s helpline number 9958771177.

- Ends-

About Heart Care Foundation of India

Initiated in 1986, the Heart Care Foundation of India is a leading National NGO working in the field of creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life and providing solutions for India's everyday healthcare needs. The NGO uses consumer-based entertainment modules to impart health education and increase awareness amongst people. A leading example of this is the Perfect Health Mela, an annual event started in 1993 that is attended by over 2-3 lakh people each year. The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest. They currently hold three Limca book of world records for the maximum number of people trained in hands-only CPR in one go. Keeping article 21 of the Indian constitution in mind, which guarantees a person Right to Life, Heart Care Foundation of India has also recently initiated a project called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund to ensure that no one dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment.

Media Contact

Sanjeev Khanna – 9871079105

Md Adib Ahmad – 9873716235

media.hcfi@gmail.com