THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On average, 25,000 people in the state die annually due to accidental heart attacks according to data compiled by cardiologists. This accounts for 10% of all deaths. In Kerala, an average of 70 people succumb to accidental heart attacks every day. Accidental cardiac arrest stands as the leading cause of death during sudden collapses and during sleep.

Dr KK Narayanan Namboothiri, a professor in the Cardiology Department at Srichithira Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, emphasized the need to expand basic life support education to address this prevalent issue. Administering Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within minutes of a person collapsing can significantly reduce fatalities. Typically, accidental heart attacks tend to affect the elderly. In foreign countries, this occurs more frequently among those aged 55 to 60 while in India, it's more prevalent among those aged 45 to 50.

Cardiac arrest leads to a cessation of blood flow to the organs and significant brain damage can occur within five to eight minutes potentially leading to brain death. CPR awareness is a straightforward and practical method to prevent such outcomes.

India lags significantly behind other countries in efficiently delivering this crucial treatment. There's a lack of awareness among the people of Kerala regarding this issue.

Breakdown of accidental heart attack-related statistics

Annual average deaths in Kerala: 250,000

Deaths following accidental cardiac arrest: 25,000 (10%)

Average per month: Total deaths: 20,833; Deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest: 2,083 (10%)

Average per day: Total death toll: 695; Deaths following sudden cardiac arrest: 70 (10%)

People who are at risk of accidental heart attacks include those who frequently experience fainting, have weak heart contractility suffer from excessive heartbeats or have family members who have experienced such events.

CPR involves placing one hand on the chest and the other above it of the person who has fainted and applying firm pressure. CPR should be initiated within 3 minutes of a heart attack. It's crucial not to cease CPR if you notice even a slight improvement as discontinuing prematurely could harm the patient. Continue the process until you reach the hospital.

Dr KK Narayanan Namboothiri, a professor in the Department of Cardiology at Srichitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology encourages people from all walks of life to step forward and receive basic life support training. A maximum of two hours of training is sufficient and Srichitra is eager to provide this training.