A significant number of lives are lost following cardiac arrest or heart attacks during Sabarimala pilgrimage every year even though the Health department does its best to provide all possible emergency cardiac care facilities as well as the expertise of cardiologists.
This year, however, what has been unusual is the pace at which cardiac deaths seem to be happening, which has the authorities particularly concerned.
“Every year, lakhs visit Sabarimala. Our figures over the years reveal that during every pilgrimage which lasts over two months, on an average, some 150-odd cardiac events occur, resulting in about 40-42 deaths. This year, in the first eight days of the pilgrimage itself we have had eight cardiac deaths and another death by drowning,” says Bipin Gopal, a senior health official in charge of the Sabarinmala arrangements this year.
“We have looked at our data over the years and while there are some common factors — comorbidities, uncontrolled risk factors and an age group generally ranging from 40 to mid-60s — all acute cardiac events were triggered by exertion. In almost all cases, the persons just collapsed and were brought dead to the hospital. However, we have also managed to save at least double the number of lives that we lose every year,” says Dr. Gopal.
