Latest news with #STEMI
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
World Brain Health Day: Stroke management and head injury care to be provided on a ‘hub-and- spoke' model in Karnataka
Soon timely stroke management and head injury care will be available for people in government medical colleges closer to their residing districts. NIMHANS in coordination with the State government has developed 'hub-and-spoke' model for stroke and head injury care across Karnataka. Under this model, an advanced stroke and head injury centre (hub) at NIMHANS will coordinate for establishment of spoke centres in six medical colleges and provide guidance and support across the State. July 22 is observed as World Brain Day and the theme for 2025 is 'Brain Health for All Ages.' A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage or a bleed, causing brain cells to die due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to a range of disabilities, from mild weakness to severe paralysis, and in some cases, permanent disability and even death. Golden hour Recognising the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention within the 'golden hour' - four to six hours after symptoms begin - is crucial for minimising damage and maximising recovery. Immediate treatment can significantly improve outcomes by restoring blood flow to the brain and preventing further cell death, doctors said. The stroke management and head injury care project will be on the lines of Karnataka's heart attack (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction - STEMI) management project currently running in 86 taluks. The hub-and-spoke model will avoid delay in providing stroke diagnosis and treatment apart from head injury care to needy patients. Accessibility to timely care closer to their place of stay will avoid patients rushing to NIMHANS, thereby ensuring there is no congestion at the premier mental health institution. At NIMHANS six to 12 stroke patients and 15 to 16 head injury cases are seen daily. NIMHANS apex centre Girish B. Kulkarni, Professor of Neurology and head of the stroke unit at NIMHANS, told The Hindu on Monday that the hub-and-spoke model for stroke management, involves a network of healthcare facilities where NIMHANS - the apex stroke centre (hub) will provide advanced care and support to surrounding smaller facilities (spokes). 'This model aims to improve stroke outcomes by streamlining access to timely and appropriate care, especially in the crucial 'golden hour' after a stroke,' Dr. Girish said. While the apex centre at NIMHANS started three months ago, a spoke centre at the Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) in Hubballi has started tracing stroke patients and has been providing routine stroke management recently. With funding from the State government, KMCRI is all set to get a Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) machine shortly. This equipment is used in stroke management to visualise blood vessels in the brain and identify blockages or abnormalities that may be causing a stroke, the doctor said. Apart from KMCRI, spoke centres will be established in government medical colleges in Bengaluru (Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute), Mysuru Medical, Raichur and Ballari. 'We have identified the colleges and the centres will be established soon at a total cost of ₹56 crore,' Dr. Girish said. Brain health Karnataka's Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) being run in collaboration with NIMHANS has helped improve early detection and management of neurological disorders at the grassroots level. The initiative has trained primary healthcare providers — including doctors and nurses — to identify and treat common neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and headache in district and taluk hospitals. This has already brought neurological care closer to the people, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and reduced delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Institute of Cardiology at RGGGH: Caring for hearts for half a century
The Institute of Cardiology at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), one of the largest cardiology centres in Tamil Nadu, has grown by leaps and bounds over the past half-century. Handling a high volume of patients with various cardiac conditions every day, the institute, inaugurated in 1972, has evolved significantly over the decades. According to doctors, it has progressed from treating congenital heart diseases to performing coronary interventions, including primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and complex coronary procedures. K. Shantharam, dean of RGGGH, said that the cardiology department of Madras Medical College-RGGGH is one of the oldest in the State as well as in this part of the country. 'The department, in fact, is a fountainhead for cardiology for the State, as many cardiologists practicing across Tamil Nadu have gone from here. With government support and policies, the department has grown well; its infrastructure has developed, and it has also taken up several cardiac-related studies,' he said. 'We see nearly 17,000 outpatients every month. Our cardiac catheterisation lab runs round the clock, and we perform procedures even at night; a full-fledged team is deployed here in the night as well,' K. Kannan, director, Institute of Cardiology, RGGGH, said. Over the past year (July 2024 to June 2025), the cath lab has handled a total volume of 3,224 interventions, with elective coronary angiography numbering 1,659, and 529 elective percutaneous coronary interventions. Chest pain clinic The institute has been running a dedicated chest pain clinic 24x7. Here, all patients presenting to RGGGH with chest pain are screened. In the past year, 4,728 patients have been screened, and 708 patients with ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) were treated on time. The doctors added that primary PCI was performed for all eligible STEMI patients within the window period (if there are no contraindications) on a 24x7 basis, while structural cardiac interventions, including Atrial Septal Defects device closure and pulmonary balloon valvotomy, are also done. Percutaneous interventions for antenatal rheumatic mitral stenosis — an important cause of maternal mortality in the population — is done, and apart from this, interventions for arrhythmia, including permanent pacemaker implantation, are performed. The institute has spearheaded a number of initiatives. It designed the State STEMI Management Protocol being implemented by the State government. This hub and spoke model of STEMI care is acknowledged as a model for the entire nation, doctors said. In fact, the department regularly takes up catheterisation study for congenital heart diseases. It went ahead and established a separate cardio-obstetrics unit with dedicated echocardiogram. This is not all. The institute functions as the nodal centre for national-level pregnancy registry and has pioneered research programmes in cardio-obstetrics. Doctors said it has been a forerunner across various registries, including STEMI, pulmonary embolism, infective endocarditis, and heart failure registries. The institute trains 14 DM Cardiology postgraduates every year, and its alumni are spread across the world. Now, the department has to graduate to become a quaternary cardiac care centre for the State, Dr. Shantharam said. Infra improvement 'The government is also focusing on improving the infrastructure. One of the plans is to showcase cardiac electrophysiology in the department in the coming months. There is no centre offering cardiac electrophysiology speciality in the government centre in the State, and RGGGH will become one in the coming months. In the future, the department should also look at preventive cardiology,' he said.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Heart diseases claim 1.5L lives in AP: Minister
Vijayawada: Ministerfor medical, health, and family welfare, Y Satya Kumar Yadav, revealed that 32 per cent of deaths in Andhra Pradesh are due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which also account for 33 per cent of global deaths. Speaking at a conference organised by the Cardiological Society of India (CSI) – Andhra Pradesh Chapter at NRI Medical College, Mangalagiri, on Saturday, he emphasised the state government's efforts to enhance cardiology services in government hospitals. Prominent doctors and CSI members participated in the conference which discussed the growing burden of heart diseases and potential solutions. The minister praised the CSI Andhra Pradesh Chapter and NRI Medical College for their contributions to heart health and patient care. Referring to the government initiatives, Yadav noted that under the STEMI programme, the life-saving Tenecteplase injection, worth Rs 45,000, is provided free during the critical 'golden hour' to cardiac patients. This initiative has saved over 3,000 lives in the state. Plans are underway to establish similar facilities for treating brain stroke cases, aligning with the STEMI programme's success. The minister attributed the rise in heart ailments to lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, stress, tobacco, and alcohol consumption. He stressed, 'Our health is in our hands,' advocating for a healthy lifestyle, nutritious diet, and positive thinking as foundations for good health. He also pointed out that Guntur Government General Hospital has successfully performed 110 open-heart surgeries and three heart transplants, calling it a commendable achievement. The minister urged private hospital doctors to volunteer for free surgeries in government hospitals at least once every 15 days, assuring that the NDA coalition government values and honours such services. The government remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, he added. The event was attended by Dr P Chandrasekhar, vice-chancellor of NTR University of Health Sciences, Dr P John Satish, president of CSI Andhra Pradesh, Dr P S Srinivas Chowdary, organising secretary, and approximately 400 cardiologists, who discussed advancements in cardiac treatment and technology.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Science
- The Citizen
Eskom Expo empowers future scientists through regional science fairs across South Africa
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will soon host a series of regional science fairs in 35 regions across South Africa. Learners will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, scientific research, and problem-solving skills on a competitive platform. Participants have been pre-selected after taking part in various expo activities, including workshops designed to elevate scientific skills, as well as mandatory district expos where young scientists received expert guidance and insights into conducting impactful research investigations. This year, more than 17 500 learners presented their research projects. Mologadi Motshele, who is the acting chief executive officer for the Eskom Development Foundation, said Eskom perceives the importance of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) as a strategic enabler of South Africa's growth, innovation capacity, and long-term sustainability. 'By cultivating interest and excellence in STEMI from an early age, the Eskom Expo not only develops individual potential but also contributes to the broader goals of economic growth, innovation, and social equity. 'These young scientists are the future problem-solvers who will address the challenges of energy, climate change, healthcare, food security, and digital transformation. 'Our ongoing support of the Eskom Expo reflects our belief that investing in young minds today ensures a sustainable, skills-driven South Africa tomorrow,' said Motshele. Learners taking part in the science fairs will enjoy the opportunity to engage with other learners, educators, and professionals from various STEMI fields. These interactions are designed to build their critical thinking and research skills while enhancing their communication and presentation abilities. In addition to showcasing their research, young scientists will stand a chance to win a range of prestigious awards, including prizes for the best female project, best innovation project, best energy project, and best development project. Eskom Expo executive director, Parthy Chetty, said: 'The Eskom Expo is South Africa's only national initiative that aims to grow future scientists and engineers for our country. 'These regional science fairs are the first step to our young scientists engaging with professionals in a meaningful way, which will further develop their research ideas and innovations. We wish them well in the judging process and urge them to continue refining their projects.' More than 6 000 projects are set to be showcased across the country this year. Young scientists will compete for the highly coveted opportunity to represent their regions and provinces at the prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park from October 6 to 10. ISF participants will compete for prizes, bursaries, opportunities, and a chance to be selected to showcase their projects at international science fairs in the United States of America, Asia, Europe, and the rest of Africa. Prospective judges are encouraged to apply to judge at an upcoming regional science fair to gain experience in evaluating research projects at the Eskom Expo ISF. Professionals such as engineers, doctors, veterinarians, teachers, lecturers, researchers, scientists, and IT professionals are being sought. Educators can earn SACE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, while scientists registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions can earn continuing professional development points. Other professionals can obtain credit through their respective professional bodies. Visit to apply. The regional science fair will take place on July 26 at the Sasol Training Centre, Ukhozi Lodge Hall. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
How a Dubai doctor on tea break comes to the rescue of a man suffering heart attack after collapsing near metro station
A Dubai-based doctor swiftly acted and saved the life of a city resident who collapsed near a metro station due to a cardiac arrest . Shervin Sasidharan, 36, had just stepped out of work and had just started to walk towards the metro station when the incident took place. His vision got blurred, his legs buckled, and he collapsed on the pavement. Sasidharan was completely unconscious, and he was barely breathing, and he was probably moments away from death due to a cardiac arrest. Just then, Dr. Niraj Gupta, a specialist in interventional cardiology at NMC Royal Hospital in Dubai Investment Park (DIP), who was out on a quick tea break, rushed to help after he noticed a crowd around someone on the ground. Gupta, who was across the street, said that the person (Sasidharan) had suffered a cardiac arrest and there was a need for quick action to save his life. Recalling the incident, Dr. Gupta said, 'I saw people standing around someone on the ground. When I reached him, I realized he was sweating heavily and breathing just four times a minute,' Dr. Niraj recalled. 'It was a cardiac arrest, and we had to act quickly,' as quoted by The Khaleej Times. As the hospital was nearby, Dr. Gupta wasted no time and called for an ambulance and began CPR. The patient was given two shocks before reaching the hospital, followed by a third one, which was delivered inside the emergency department. Live Events Emergency, ICU, and cardiology teams acted swiftly, and a full Code Blue was activated at the hospital. Sasidharan was given treatment on priority. According to Khaleej Times, he was diagnosed with a critical cardiac condition, acute inferior wall ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), and ventricular fibrillation (VF). An angiography revealed a 100 percent blockage in the right coronary artery and a 90 percent blockage in the left. Four drug-eluting stents were placed to restore blood flow. He was able to walk again freely in just two days due to swift medical intervention. Sasidharan thanks Dr Gupta after recovery Following his recovery, Sasidharan said that he was not even aware that he was suffering from diabetes. He thanked Dr. Gupta for taking swift action, which saved his life. 'I didn't even know I had diabetes. I thought I was healthy. If the doctor hadn't been there at that moment, I wouldn't be alive today. I am just so thankful,' Sasidharan was quoted by The Khaleej Times as saying. Sasidharan also said that the near-death experience has changed his life. 'I've cut down on junk food. I started walking every day, and I'm making health my top priority. I got a second chance; I won't take it for granted,' he said. Dr Gupta reveals major reasons behind heart attacks in young adults Dr. Niraj, who performed the entire procedure without pause, said poor lifestyle habits are one of the biggest contributors to heart attacks in young adults. 'People in their 30s shouldn't be experiencing this. But stress, poor diet, smoking, processed food, and high cholesterol are major risk factors,' he noted. He requested residents to take regular checkups seriously and recommended basic heart screenings, including the Treadmill Test (TMT), Lipid profile, Blood sugar levels, and a CT scan of the heart.
