Rising heart attacks: K'taka health dept to release advisory note; health minister to chair meeting with the committee

With a noticeable rise in heart attack cases across Karnataka, the state’s Health Department is preparing to release an official advisory to spread public awareness and initiate preventive measures. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is expected to chair a crucial meeting today with the state’s Technical Advisory Committee to review detailed findings and recommendations on the matter.

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According to sources, the committee has already submitted a comprehensive report which clarifies that vaccines are not a contributing factor to the recent surge in heart attack cases. This clarification comes amidst public speculation linking medical interventions to cardiac incidents.

The upcoming advisory is likely to include a series of health guidelines and community-level initiatives aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting cardiovascular wellness. Among the proposed suggestions are launching public health campaigns, enforcing stricter controls on public smoking, and raising awareness about passive smoking risks.

The advisory may also recommend prioritizing nutritious diets with reduced salt and sugar intake, along with encouraging early medical consultation for symptoms such as breathlessness and chest pain during basic activities like walking or climbing stairs. Special attention is expected to be advised for children, including annual heart health screenings in schools and increased emphasis on yoga, outdoor activity, and physical education.

The health minister is expected to review the report today and may announce actionable steps to improve public heart health based on the findings.