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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cold wave triggers spike in cardiac arrests

Mumbai : As winter temperatures go for a spin across the country, hospitals are witnessing a significant surge of around 25-30 pc in cardiac emergencies, a top cardiologist said.   According to Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Hemant Khemani of Apex Group of Hospitals, cold air directly affects how the heart functions.   “Low temperatures make blood vessels tighten. When the arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart has to work harder to push the blood through the stiffened...

Cold wave triggers spike in cardiac arrests

Mumbai : As winter temperatures go for a spin across the country, hospitals are witnessing a significant surge of around 25-30 pc in cardiac emergencies, a top cardiologist said.   According to Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Hemant Khemani of Apex Group of Hospitals, cold air directly affects how the heart functions.   “Low temperatures make blood vessels tighten. When the arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart has to work harder to push the blood through the stiffened vessels,” said Dr. Khemani.   Elaborating on the direct effects of cold air on heart functioning, he said that low temperatures make blood vessels tighten, when arteries narrow, blood pressure shoots up and the heart must work harder to push blood through stiffened vessels.   Winter also thickens the blood, increasing the likelihood of clot formation and these combined effects create a dangerous ‘demand-supply mismatch’ for oxygen, especially in people with existing heart conditions.   This trend has caused concern among cardiologists as it adds to India’s already heavy cardiovascular diseases burden – with nearly one in four deaths linked to heart and blood vessel problems.   Dr. Khemani said that sudden temperature transitions - from warm rooms to chilly outdoors - can put additional strain on the heart and risks. “This abrupt shift loads the cardiovascular system quickly, raising the risk of a sudden (cardiac) event among vulnerable individuals.”   Lifestyle Patterns Added to these are the changes in lifestyle patterns during winter month that further amplify the danger. Most people reduce physical activities, eat richer foods, and often gain weight all of which combine to raise cholesterol levels, disrupt blood-sugar balance and push up blood pressure.   Complicating matters for the heart are the social gatherings during the cold season that tends to bring higher intake of smoking and alcohol, said Dr. Khemani.   Recommending basic preventive measures, Dr. Khemani said the chest, neck and hands must be kept warm to prevent heat loss, maintain a steady body temperature and reduce the chances of sudden blood pressure spikes, a low-salt diet, home-cooked meals, shot indoor walks post-eating, adequate hydration and at least seven hours of sleep.   He warns against ignoring warning signals such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, unexplained fatigue, or sudden sweating, pointing out that “early medical care can significantly limit heart damage and improve survival.”   The rise in winter heart risks is not unique to India and even global health agencies like World Health Federation and World Health Organisation report similar patterns.   The WHF estimates that more than 20 million people die of heart-related causes each year - equal to one life lost every 1.5 seconds, and the WHO has listed heart disease as the world’s leading cause of death for five consecutive years.   Seniors affected more by winter chills  Cold weather can hit the heart at any age, but the risk is noticeably higher for men aged above  45 and in women after 55, with the highest danger curve in people over 60, and elders with co-morbidities and history of heart diseases.   “People with existing cardiac problems face greater trouble in winter as the heart has to work harder. Even those without known heart disease can sometimes experience winter heart attacks, as chilly conditions may expose hidden blockages or trigger problems due to sudden exertion, heavy meals, smoking or dehydration,” Dr. Khemani told  ‘ The Perfect Voice’ .   However, contrary to perceptions, cold-weather heart issues have no connection to the COVID-19 vaccine, nor is there any scientific evidence linking the two, he assured.

Presidential Debates: The Defining Stage in US Elections

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Presidential Debates

On September 10, 2024, the United States witnessed a pivotal moment in its political history as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle. The event, held in Philadelphia and broadcast by ABC News, marked a significant shift in the American political landscape.

This debate was not the matchup many had anticipated even a few months ago. In a stunning turn of events, President Joe Biden was forced to withdraw from the race in July, following mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party. The catalyst for this dramatic shift was Biden’s poor performance in a June 27 debate against Trump, which raised serious doubts about his mental acuity and stamina. Ultimately, Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.

For those readers in India who may not be familiar with the tradition, presidential debates have been a cornerstone of American elections since 1960. These televised events offer voters a chance to see candidates discuss key issues face-to-face, often influencing the election outcome.

The Birth of Televised Debates

The modern era of presidential debates began in 1960 with the historic face-off between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This series of four televised debates marked a turning point in American politics, showcasing the power of television to influence public opinion. An estimated 66 million viewers tuned in to watch the first debate, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts in U.S. television history at the time.

The Kennedy-Nixon debates highlighted the importance of appearance and presentation in politics. While radio listeners reportedly favoured Nixon, television viewers were swayed by Kennedy’s charismatic on-screen presence. This disparity underscored the significant impact visual media could have on shaping public perceptions of candidates.


A Hiatus and Revival

Following the 1960 debates, there was a 16-year hiatus before presidential debates resumed. In 1976, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford reignited the tradition of debating at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. This revival set the stage for presidential debates to become a regular feature of election cycles.


The Commission on Presidential Debates

In 1987, the Commission on Presidential Debates was established as a bipartisan, non-profit organisation to organise and oversee presidential debates. This commission has since played a crucial role in standardising the debate format and ensuring fair representation of candidates.

In recent years, presidential debates have continued to evolve. The 2016 debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton drew record-breaking audiences, with the first debate attracting over 84 million viewers. On the other hand, the 2020 election cycle saw unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the cancellation of one debate and the implementation of new safety measures.

The Latest Debate

Last week’s debate covered a wide range of topics crucial to the American electorate. Immigration, always a contentious issue, took centre stage early on. Trump reiterated his hardline stance, while Harris advocated for a more compassionate approach, emphasising the contributions of immigrants to American society.

Another hot-button issue was the economy, which saw heated exchanges. Trump touted his previous administration’s tax cuts and deregulation policies, claiming they would “bring back American jobs.” Harris countered with proposals for an increased minimum wage and expanded social programs, arguing they would “lift all Americans.”


Public Response

The public response to the debate was mixed, with supporters of both candidates claiming victory. Social media buzzed with reactions, memes, and fact-checking in real-time, reflecting the deeply polarised nature of the electorate. Media outlets offered varied interpretations, with some praising Harris for her poise and others commending Trump’s forceful defence of his policies. Political analysts noted that while the debate was unlikely to change the minds of staunch supporters, it may have swayed some undecided voters who were looking for clarity on key issues. Early polling data suggested a near-even split in public perception of the candidates’ performances, indicating a tightly contested race.

As the dust settles on this debate, the race to the White House continues, with the next presidential election scheduled for November 5th. With only weeks remaining, both campaigns will focus on mobilising their bases and reaching out to undecided voters. Further debates and key campaign events are expected to follow, offering additional opportunities for the candidates to present their visions for America’s future. In the meantime, the world is closely watching the US presidential election, as its outcome could have a global impact for many years to come.

(The writer is an IT professional. Views personal)

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