Arrhythmia on rise among city’s younger population, say docs
Times of India | 17 June 2024
Kolkata: Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm is on the rise among the city’s younger population and a significantly higher number is being diagnosed with the cardiac disease every year, say city cardiologists even as World Heart Rhythm week was observed from June 2 to 9. It is a potential risk factor which is often ignored or remain undiagnosed due to muted symptoms.
Cardiac arrythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythm and can be fatal, pointed out Tapabrata De, interventional cardiologist at Charnock Hospital.“Such rhythm disturbances are increasing in the general population, particularly in younger people with diabetes, high thyroid levels and due to smoking and alcohol,” said De.
It is often overlooked as a cardiac issue and remains undiagnosed, said CMRI Hospital cardiologist and electrophysiologist Rakesh Sarkar. “A sudden palpitation, throbbing in chest or missing a few beats are ignored by the young while kids can’t recognize these. It could result in a sudden cardiac arrest. On most occasions, an ECG or a halter monitor is recommended which often fail to detect arrhythmia. This is where you need an electrophysiologist who conducts a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed review of the patient’s medical history, analysis of symptoms and a variety of non-invasive tests,” said Sarkar.
Cardiac arrythmias like ventricular tachycardia can lead to sudden death. “It has led to sudden deaths of many young and middle-aged who were apparently symptomless. It is common in people with underlying hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where muscles of the heart get abnormally thickened. A timely diagnosis and in suitable cases, implantation of a cardiac defibrillator can save lives,” added De. Arrhythmia can strike at any age, said Fortis Hospital cardio-thoracic surgeon KM Mandana. “We are increasingly detecting it in young patients who are apparently healthy and fit. I have had several patients over the last two years,” said Mandana.
A two-year-old who suffered a heart failure due to arrhythmia was treated at CMRI Hospital last week, said Sarkar. “Treatment needs to be tailored to the patient’s specific needs by recommending the most suitable type of therapy such as medicines or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or pacemaker and optimal placement.”