Patient Profile of Young Cardiologist

• Age: 41 years old
• Occupation: Renowned cardiologist
• Medical History: No significant medical history indicating vulnerability to cardiac events.
• Lifestyle: Physically active, working long hours (approximately 14 hours/day), non-smoker, teetotaller.
• Work Setting: Contractual assistant professor at MP Shah Government Medical College, teaching cardiology and attending to both OPD and critical patients. Also worked at Sharda Hospital in Jamnagar.

What Happened

41-year-old cardiologist in Jamnagar, passed away due to what is believed to be a cardiac arrest. Despite exhibiting no symptoms or traditional triggers associated with heart attacks, he collapsed suddenly in his bathroom early in the morning. Notably, his ECG reading taken during his initial discomfort was normal. Following his collapse, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Takeaway Points Emphasizing Preventive Measures

Primary Prevention Measures:

1. Regular Health Check-ups: Conduct serial ECGs and test cardiac enzymes over 12 to 24 hours, especially in cases of suspected heart issues, as the first ECG may appear normal in some instances.
2. Manage Hypertension and Stress: Prioritize stress management, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and monitor blood pressure regularly, starting from a young age.
3. Screen for Genetic Disorders: Check for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and maintain optimal LDL cholesterol levels.

Secondary Prevention Measures:

1. Keep LDL Levels Low: Focus on reducing LDL cholesterol levels aggressively, especially among Indians who are prone to higher cardiac risks.
2. Watch for Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Be aware of sudden cardiac arrest triggers and consider tests like the calcium score test after the age of 45.

Doctor’s Statements

1. Dr. Saugata Chatterjee, Assistant Medical Superintendent, GG General Hospital: “In about 20-30 per cent of cases, the first ECG may show up as normal even if one is having a heart attack.”
2. Dr. Raghav Sharma, Interventional Cardiologist, Meditrina Hospital: “Always remember that retention of tension is hypertension. High levels of stress and tension spike BP which in turn stimulates the energy drive with the release of a lot of stress-related hormones in the body.”
3. Dr. K Srinath Reddy, Cardiologist, Epidemiologist, PHFI: “Levels of LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol predict risk better than total cholesterol.”
4. Dr. Rajiv B Bhagwat, Interventional Cardiologist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital: “For those with family history, LDL levels should ideally be 30mg/dL or even lesser.”
5. Dr. Balbir Singh, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Max Hospital: “A sudden cardiac arrest is not caused by a blockage. However, if the heart attack can change the heart’s electrical impulses, then it could become a trigger for a sudden cardiac arrest.”

Conclusion

Young cardiologist’s unfortunate demise sheds light on the importance of comprehensive cardiac health management, encompassing both primary and secondary prevention measures. By prioritizing regular health screenings, stress management, and early intervention for risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their susceptibility to cardiac events, even in the absence of apparent symptoms.