Heart attack deaths in India: As Gujarat reports 10 casualties during Garba festivities, experts decode worrying cause

Amid festive frenzy of Navratri, Gujarat reported at least 10 heart attack casualties across cities. On the last day of the 9-day festivities, tragedy struck during the lively Navratri celebrations in the state. All these 10 individuals lost their lives while participating in the traditional Garba dance. The victims, ranging from teenagers to middle-aged adults, died of heart attacks, with the youngest casualty being a 13-year-old boy from Vadodara’s Dabhoi district.

According to latest media reports, these heart-related deaths have been attributed to various factors such as existing health conditions, prolonged fasting, unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of awareness regarding heart health in India.

Additionally, emergency services received a staggering 521 calls related to heart issues and 609 calls about breathing difficulties during the initial six days of Navratri festivities in Gujarat. These incidents occurred between 6 pm and 2 am, just before the Garba celebrations, as reported by some media agencies.

Experts have pointed out several factors contributing to these sudden heart attacks during physical activities like Garba, including pre-existing health conditions, intense physical exertion, and external factors. Mansuri, a local expert from Ahmedabad, highlighted, “Engaging in sports and dance activities, particularly during high-intensity events like Garba, can potentially worsen underlying health conditions, raising the risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and failure.”

Many attendees, especially young individuals, might unknowingly possess risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, making them susceptible to cardiac issues during these energetic celebrations.

According to a News18 report, Dr Bimal Chhajer, a senior cardiologist from the SAAOL Heart Centre in New Delhi, noted a significant surge in patients seeking medical help for heart-related problems during the festival season. He identified dehydration, poor eating habits, and excessive physical activity as contributing factors, stating, “During these festivities, the combination of heat and vigorous activity could strain the heart, leading to severe consequences like heart attacks.” The incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of health awareness and caution during such festivities.