Shimla: Covid infection increases the blood clotting tendency which raises the risk of heart attacks, said Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Communicable Disease Control Programme.
Recent scientific research data across the globe suggests that Covid-19 may increase the risk for many cardiovascular disease (CVD) to an extent similarly observed for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, Dr Purohit added.
Expressing concern on this issue noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit told UNI here that in the past couple of months in the country there has been increasing instances of sudden cardiac deaths.
He urged the ministry of health to allocate funds for research into the reasons behind these deaths, especially in the young population and suggested the constitution of sudden death investigation committees to probe into each instance to reduce panic among people.
Dr Purohit pointed out that in the past few months there have been two kinds of sudden cardiac deaths. The first is sudden deaths following an acute heart attack, which happen in slightly older subgroups and in those with traditional coronary risk factors. In the second type, sudden deaths are due to causes other than heart attack, rare instances in previously healthy individuals without any coronary risk factors.
"While the first group is amenable to detection by traditional preventive cardiac tests like ECG, 2d-Echo and TMT, the second group needs different detection algorithms like long-term ECG monitoring, electrophysiological testing, and genetic testing." he averred.
He stressed that the government should install public access defibrillators and cardio- pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be introduced in the higher secondary school curriculum.
The renowned physician urged that individuals above 30 years should get their blood pressure, blood sugar and fasting lipid profile checked and people above 40 years should get annual cardiac check-ups done, including an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and an exercise tolerance (treadmill) test.
He said that youngsters need not suddenly start an unaccustomed arduous exercise.
He advised eating healthy, exercising regularly, maintaining ideal body weight, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, reducing stress and sleeping for a minimum of six to eight hours.
"If one is having hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol it should be controlled," he added. (UNI)