NEW DELHI: Amid spiralling cases of dengue reported in the national capital, a study has found that the vector-borne disease in cardiac patients could aggravate their heart ailments.
Four persons have died due to dengue this season while the total number of cases in the city has climbed to over 310.
The research was conducted by Fortis Healthcare in the last three months involving 150 dengue patients admitted to its hospitals in Delhi and NCR.
The study also claimed that electrocardiograph and echocardiograph (ECG & Echo) readings changed in those patients who were admitted with dengue fever but with no prior heart ailments.
“Our study shows that dengue can mean double blow for heart patients as the vector-borne disease could create serious cardiac problems in such patients.
“Also, very often heart patients are on aspirin. But, continuing with aspirin in these patients can be a dangerous situation as it reduces platelet count in them and could also lead to bleeding,” said Upendra Kaul, Dean and Executive Director of Clinical Research and Academics, Fortis Healthcare Limited.
The research refers only to those dengue patients who are in need of hospitalisation, he said.
The study released today by the hospital suggested that those having dengue fever coupled with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, unnecessary fatigue, must get their ECG or Echo done to rule out the possibility of heart involvement.
If the changes are detected early, the situation can be handled in the first interface and heart disease progression could be averted, it said.
Symptoms of dengue, transmitted by aedes aegypti mosquito, show after 3-14 days of mosquito bite, hence heart patients are advised to keep the environment clean and avoid mosquito bites. In case of fever they should see a doctor and get appropriate tests done, he said. (AGENCIES)
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