Heat-related strokes and cardiac cases flood Kolkata hospitals

KOLKATA: The scorching spell has triggered a sharp rise not only in heat exhaustion and dehydration cases but also in heart attacks, strokes and neurological emergencies across the hospitals over the past week. Several hospitals have reported a surge in emergency admissions and deployed more staff to manage the rush.

Doctors said the rise in cardiac and neurological complications has been particularly alarming. Extreme heat is aggravating pre-existing illnesses and triggering life-threatening complications.

CMRI Hospital has reported an increase in cardiac and neurological patients. Ranita Saha, cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital, said the elderly, children and people with heart disease, diabetes or hypertension are especially vulnerable. "Severe heat can trigger cardiovascular events. Dehydration thickens the blood, reduces circulating volume and forces the heart to work harder, increasing the risk of heart attack," she said.

BP Poddar Hospital treated 17 patients in its emergency department over the past five days with dehydration, chest discomfort, dizziness and exhaustion. "During the last one week, we have seen a rise in neurological cases," said physician Abhijit Aich Bhaumik. "Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of stroke."

CMRI Hospital neurologist Deep Das said dehydration makes blood thicker and more prone to clotting, sharply increasing stroke risk among people with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Charnock Hospital has treated more than 20 patients with heat-related ailments since last Sunday. "Most suffered heat exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to the sun," said internal medicine consultant Subhayan Bhattacharya.

Manipal Hospital neurologist Vaibhav Seth warned against suddenly moving from outdoor heat into heavily air-conditioned spaces, saying abrupt temperature changes can stress blood vessels and trigger strokes. Hospitals are also seeing severe diarrhoea cases linked to unsafe drinking water and heat exposure, said emergency specialist Nishant Agarwal. Bhagirathi Neotia Women and Child Care Centre consultant gynaecologist Suparna Chowdhury warned that extreme heat can also trigger complications during pregnancy.