Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Continuing to identify factors that are critically important for the onset of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dr. Sushil Sharma, HoD Cardiology, GMC Jammu today held a day long camp at Shri Vishwakarma Mandir, New Plot in the heart of the Jammu city to sensitise the common populace about the ill effects of growing pollution in the cities on heart environs so that those who are most vulnerable can be protected.
He particularly stressed the strong note of caution for elderly and children. More than 500 patients were screened, evaluated and advised for prevention of cardiovascular diseases during the camp.
Dr. Sushil recognised increase in air pollution as an important and modifiable determinant of cardiovascular disease in urban communities. “Even brief exposures to air pollution have been associated with marked increases in cardiovascular-related morbidity and deaths from myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Long-term exposure increases an individual’s lifetime risk of death from coronary heart disease. The main arbiter of these adverse health effects seems to be combustion-derived nanoparticles that incorporate reactive organic and transition metal components. Inhalation of this particulate matter leads to pulmonary inflammation with secondary systemic effects or, after translocation from the lung into the circulation, to direct toxic cardiovascular effects. Through the induction of cellular oxidative stress and pro inflammatory pathways, particulate matter adds to the development and progression of atherosclerosis via detrimental effects on platelets, vascular tissue and the myocardium”, he said.
In developed nations, major improvements in air quality have occurred over the last 50 years, yet the association between air pollution and mortality is still evident, even when pollution levels are below current national and international targets for air quality. But ironically no major stride has been made in the developing countries to control the incidence of air pollution. Still the major cause of concern in the city like Jammu is traffic-derived pollution intensifying CVD load.
The team of doctors and volunteers who contributed in this effort included Dr. Dhaneshwar Kapoor, Dr Anitipal Singh and Dr Chakshu Mahajan. Volunteers comprising Vikas Kumar, Kamal Kishore, Kashmiri Lal, Raghav Rajput,Vikas Sabharwal, Ankush Kohli, Harvinder Singh, Rajinder Singh, Rahul Tickoo, Akshay Kumar, Rajeev Vohra, Gorav Sharma, Rajkumar and Suresh Sharma attended the camp.
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