Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: Keeping in view ever increasing rush of the devotees enroute Amarnath Yatra which is known for its difficult and high altitude terrains, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Shri Ram Mandir , Purani Mandi Jammu. The Temple serves as a base camp for Sadhus undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, where preparations and registration, are carried out before their departure. The camp aimed to provide awareness and education to Amaranth Yatra pilgrims and local residents about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with high altitude travel and to provide guidance on preventive measures. The camp aimed to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for all.
While delivering lecture, Dr Sushil stated that the annual Amarnath Yatra, a revered spiritual journey to the 3,888-meter-high holy Amarnath cave in the Himalayas, draws thousands of pilgrims from across India and beyond. However, this challenging high-altitude trek is not without risks especially for individuals with underlying cardiovascular conditions or those unaware of the physiological stress that high altitudes impose on the heart and lungs.
He elaborated that at elevations above 2,500 meters, the atmospheric oxygen level drops significantly. The body responds by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. For individuals with pre-existing coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, or those with silent cardiac disease, this can precipitate serious complications including Myocardial infraction, sudden cardiac death, High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Moreover, unacclimatized pilgrims are often exposed to abrupt altitude changes, strenuous physical exertion, low temperatures, and dehydration, all of which amplify cardiovascular stress, Dr Sharma said.
Others who were part of this camp include Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Dishant Kambhol. Paramedics and volunteers include Kamal Sharma, Raghav Rajput, Ranjeet Singh, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Shubham Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Makhan Sharma, Rahul Vaid, Rohit Nayyar, Anmol Singh and Nirvair Singh Bali.
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