Kolkata: ‘Festive heart' has struck many across the city post-Diwali, with scores suffering flare-ups of existing cardiac ailments or sudden heart attacks. Doctors say this could be the result of consistent, loud noise from firecrackers and pollutants triggered by them over the last 10 days.
There is a clear rise in cardiac cases after Diwali, with some patients who were stable for months becoming unstable, according to Saumitra Ray, senior consultant, interventional cardiology, Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital. ‘Three drivers stand out - sharp spikes in air pollution from firecrackers, festive overindulgence in sweets and fried foods that acutely upset fluids and lipids, and sound pollution or startle stress provoking arrhythmias and hypertensive surges.
We advise patients to stay indoors in air-conditioning, though that does not keep out sound pollution," said Ray.
Every year after Diwali, we see a sharp decline in air quality, particularly in cities like Kolkata, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) often crosses 300 — well into the ‘poor' or ‘very poor' category, pointed out Anjan Siotia, director – cardiology of BM Birla Heart Hospital. "These fine pollutants, when inhaled, not only irritate the lungs but also enter the bloodstream, damaging blood vessels and increasing inflammation throughout the body.
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Charnock Hospital has seen a sudden surge in cardiac ailments after Diwali. Tapobrata De, consultant cardiologist, Charnock Hospital said: "Firecrackers cause smoke and air pollution, which trigger inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias, especially in those with pre-existing heart disease or hypertension. Festive overindulgence in spicy food, excessive sweets intake, and alcohol consumption raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels, which further strains the cardiovascular system.
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"In the last five days, we admitted 19 patients with aggravated cardiac symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or loss of consciousness," said Supriyo Chakrabarty, groupa advisor, BP Poddar Hospital. Loud cracker noise can trigger acute stress, causing a surge in catecholamines that lead to tachycardia, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure, said Sourabh Goswami, interventional cardiologist at BP Poddar.
"In vulnerable individuals, this can precipitate angina or arrhythmias."
Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or unusual fatigue during this time should never be ignored, as these symptoms could stem from both respiratory and cardiac stress, Siotia added.