In a heart-wrenching incident during a Ramlila performance in Haryana's Bhiwani, a man dressed as Lord Hanuman, identified as Harish Mehta, succumbed to a heart attack on stage. The Ramlila, organized to mark the grand inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, took a tragic turn when Mehta collapsed during his performance.
In a shocking video capturing the incident, Mehta can be seen energetically portraying Lord Hanuman, with the act intended to conclude with him touching Lord Ram's feet. However, the performance took a distressing turn as Mehta suffered a heart attack and fell to the ground. The audience initially mistook it for part of the act, and precious moments passed before realizing the severity of the situation. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Mehta was pronounced dead by medical professionals.
Harish Mehta, a retired junior engineer from the electricity department, had devoted 25 years to performing as Lord Hanuman. His sudden demise raises questions about the increasing incidence of heart attack-related deaths, particularly among individuals under 50.
Understanding Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest
Before delving into the rising trend of heart attacks, it's crucial to distinguish between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct cardiac events.
Cardiac Arrest
This occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating, causing an immediate halt in blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Untreated cardiac arrest can result in unconsciousness, disability, or even death.
Heart Attack
In contrast, a heart attack involves a circulation problem where blood flow to the heart is obstructed. It can lead to chest pain, discomfort, and damage to the heart muscle. While both are serious, the causes and immediate responses differ.
The Alarming Rise in Heart Attacks
The recent trend of increasing cases of heart attacks has become a cause for concern. Dr Sandeep Gore from Fortis Hospital, Mulund, notes a fivefold increase in heart attack admissions over the last decade, with a significant surge of 33% in the 40-50 age group. Dr. Chandrashekhar, Associate Director of Cardiology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, attributes this rise to stress, unhealthy lifestyles, electrolyte imbalances, substance abuse, genetics, and undetected heart diseases.
Protective Measures for Heart Health
To mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, individuals can adopt preventive measures to promote heart health:
- Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to maintain overall health.
- Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced and nutritious diet that provides essential nutrients and supports overall well-being.
- Avoid Smoking and Drinking: Eliminate or limit alcohol and nicotine intake, as they contribute to various health issues, including heart problems.
- Stress Management: Implement stress-reducing techniques to strengthen the immune system and protect against health conditions.
- Regular Evaluation: If there's a family history of heart-related issues, undergo regular evaluations to detect potential concerns early, allowing for timely intervention.
Bottomline
The tragic incident in Haryana serves as a poignant reminder of the escalating trend of heart attack-related deaths. Understanding the distinction between cardiac arrest and heart attack, coupled with proactive measures, can contribute to safeguarding heart health. By prioritizing consistent exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and regular evaluations, individuals can take significant strides in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac events. Harish Mehta's untimely demise underscores the urgency of raising awareness and implementing preventive strategies to curb the growing incidence of heart attacks in the country.