September 29th 2021, Mumbai: In the past 18 months of the pandemic, doctors have witnessed a surge in the number of cardiac incidences among young adults. This alarming trend prompted teams at Fortis Hospital, Mulund & Kalyan, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi and SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim, to reach out to Mumbaikar’s, aiming to understand people’s awareness levels and preparedness for cardiac events.
The survey centers around key factors such as knowledge about heart ailments, risk factors, immediate actions that need to be taken, behavior & lifestyle changes made during the pandemic, and significance given to health. The findings brought to fore that despite increased significance of heart health in the past few months, it isn’t a priority for many.
Key findings of the survey:
I. COVID19 related:
II. Changed work patterns related:
III. Importance of preventive health checks:
IV. Response to emergency:
V. Knowledge about risk factors:
VI. Gender specific:
Dr S. Narayani, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, who spearheaded this initiative said, “It is evident from the survey findings that the pandemic has lulled us into lethargy, thereby impacting all aspects of our life. It is imperative for us to understand that the COVID19 pandemic does not get an upper hand over one’s health; remaining cognizant of one’s health parameters and reporting misleading symptoms is crucial. As guardians of health, we want to remind you to take charge of your health, and that of your loved ones, don’t let the changes working patterns, changed social engagement patterns and fear of hospitals steer you away from living a healthy life”.
Talking about the findings, Dr Atul Limaye, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, said, “The survey is an eye-opener! The fact that over 60% of people are aware that sitting for long hours causes health ailments, yet nearly 40% do not find time to exercise and stay fit, is concerning. The incidence of heart disease is steadily rising along with the epidemic of Diabetes and obesity. Primary reasons being unhealthy lifestyles that lead to hypertension, high cholesterol, further fueled by smoking & drinking, stress, irregular eating habits, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise and negligence towards one’s health. There is an urgent need to sensitise people that the lifestyle they adopted during the pandemic is even more detrimental and that urgent efforts need to be made to ensure better quality of life”.
“People who fall under the high-risk category must go in for regular check-ups and timely management of disease. If presented with unusual symptoms, no matter the age, emergency aid must be sought. Its heartening to see that nearly 85% Mumbaikars knew how they could offer emergency aid, till the patient was brought to the hospital. It shows in true spirit how awareness and knowledge can empower people to care for themselves and for others better”, said Dr Brajesh Kunwar, Head-Interventional Cardiology, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital.
Dr Zakia Khan, Sr Interventional Cardiologist and Head-Cardiology Dept. & CATH Lab, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, adds, “COVID19 has compelled people to switch to digital mediums for work, shopping, banking, learning, and other activities. People must harness the power of digital health to improve awareness, prevention, and management of CVDs. Use telehealth services to stay connected with the doctors, seek online training for yoga & exercise at home, bring discipline to one’s lifestyle and stay positive. It’s the perfect time to reach out and connect with your community, especially friends and family who are living with heart ailments, and motive to take action against CVDs. Also for people who are not tech savy for them our all branches are open to take care of their them with physical consultation and delivering emergency health care with appropriate covid protocols”
“These are the times when health must be given priority. Fortis study highlights the significance of heart health and people’s understanding of appropriate action in this direction. This new analysis comes as the COVID-19 pandemic shines the spotlight on managing working hours as well. The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time and therefore, the need for people to opt for targeted health check-ups”, said Dr Haresh Mehta, Interventional Cardiologist, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim
The insights gathered from this study will further help Fortis Hospital to strengthen its health services while incorporating health consciousness among citizens of Mumbai. It is also help the government, corporates, healthcare providers and community at large to work together to take appropriate actions to protect the health and wellbeing of people.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited:
Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organisations in the country with 36 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4000 operational beds and over 400 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited (Formerly Know as SRL Limited)) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
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