Come winter, the heart attacks show a sharp surge in number. This is because cold and harsh weather often lead to reduced physical activity during winter. This inactivity can result in weight gain, higher blood pressure, and increased cholesterol levels, collectively raising the risk of heart issues. R esports citing the senior cardiologists in the Valley have indicated a 20 to 40 percent likelihood of increased heart attacks during the winter season. The winter is very harsh in the Valley and its onset brings with it several health-related ailments. However, the incidence of heart attacks has increased in recent years. Its victims have not just been elderly people but increasingly younger individuals are facing serious heart-related issues.
However, these issues are not traceable to weather changes, even though it is a factor. Health experts have pointed to increasing substance abuse, and sedentary lifestyles as the primary culprits. Some even have blamed the post-Covid complications, albeit there is still no conclusive evidence.
Similarly, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of junk food, and widespread smoking, especially among young people, are also contributing factors to the elevated risk of heart attacks. According to the National Health Family Survey 5, a substantial percentage of men in Jammu and Kashmir are smokers of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Experts have also sounded alarm on the escalating problem of substance abuse among the youth. The use of opioids, inhalants, and particularly heroin, has surged, leading to overdose-related deaths and heart attacks. A survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Health has revealed that around 9 percent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir has diabetes. The reason for this is again our unhealthy lifestyle. A significant number of people don’t exercise, nor do we eat balanced food.
One more factor that has affected the health of a large mass of people is the stress and depression which has now become veritably an epidemic in Kashmir. According to a study carried out by the Doctors Without Borders in 2016, nearly 1.8 million people in the region suffered from mental health disorders. But it is clear that the number has since only further risen. We need to have a proper study to get an estimate of how many are afflicted by the disease now. Compounding the growing mental health burden in the UT is the lack of adequate mental health services, creating a significant treatment gap. Last year, in a welcome effort toward prioritizing mental health, J&K had set up a dedicated mental health authority. The primary objective of this authority is to oversee and regulate all mental health facilities within the region, ensuring they are properly registered and conform to established guidelines.
That said, we need a proper investigation of the growing incidence of heart attacks in the UT. And more importantly, we need to improve and upgrade the health infrastructure to ensure swift medical attention to the people when they suffer from heart attacks. As of now, many lives are lost as the patients can’t be moved to hospitals quickly enough to be administered treatment. It is time the government pays attention.
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