Surge in heart attacks among youngsters prompts India to launch CPR training drive for 10 lakh volunteers

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide campaign to teach Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as cases of heart attacks increase across all age groups, including among young people. CPR is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when a person’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya initiated a program on December 6 to provide CPR training to 10 lakh people nationwide as part of first aid. The goal is to make this life-saving technique accessible to a larger population.

According to recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), deaths due to cardiac arrests have risen by 12.5%, from 28,413 in 2021 to 32,457 in 2022. Sudden deaths increased to 56,450 in 2022 from 50,734 in 2021. The alarming statistics indicate a need for immediate action.

The state minister of Gujarat reported that 1,052 individuals have died of heart attacks in the last six months, with 80% of the victims aged between 11 and 25. This underscores the urgency of addressing heart health among young people.

Medical experts, such as Dr. Zeeshan Mansuri, an interventional cardiologist, commend the CPR initiative, stating that timely and effective CPR can significantly improve survival rates during emergencies. Accessible medical facilities equipped to handle cardiac emergencies are crucial to mitigating the impact of such incidents.

Experts caution against attributing the rise in heart attacks solely to COVID-19. Instead, they emphasize the importance of a multifaceted analysis, pointing to lifestyle choices such as sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, and increasing stress levels as potential contributors. Urbanization, environmental stressors, and pollution also impact cardiovascular health.

Dr. Udgeath Dhir, director of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, advises young people to prioritize adequate rest and adopt a less stressful schedule. He highlights the impact of extensive working hours and the “work hard, party harder” mentality on heart health. Dhir recommends screening youngsters for cardiac ailments, considering that even at a young age, they may have issues like blockages and arrhythmias, especially with a known family history.

While acknowledging the aggravated trend of heart attacks, experts stress that young people facing such issues is not a new phenomenon. Dr. Vivek Chaturvedi, head of the cardiology department, notes that due to awareness, social media, and changing lifestyles, heart issues among the younger population are becoming more common. He emphasizes the need for screening at an appropriate age, possibly around college, to detect potential cardiac problems early.

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