‘When every second matters’: At PGI, dedicated cardiac emergency to be operational from March 1

Prof Lal said that from early in his tenure as the PGI Director, efforts were made to streamline systems and prioritise patient-centric reforms. “Cardiovascular emergencies are time-critical. Every minute saved can translate into a life saved. Our objective has been to ensure that no cardiac patient loses precious time because of logistical bottlenecks,” he said.

Acknowledging the team spirit, Prof Lal said, “The dedicated cardiac emergency has been made possible through coordinated efforts of departments of cardiology, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, hospital administration and nursing services. This integrated framework is designed to minimise delays and enhance accountability in emergency cardiac care.”

Prof Lal highlighted that the initiative is expected to decongest the main emergency wing, improve overall patient flow and reduce stress for both patients and attendants. “This is not merely an infrastructural addition, but a strengthening of systems. We are building responsiveness into our emergency care framework,” Prof Lal said.

“With the dedicated cardiac emergency becoming operational from March 1, PGI reinforces its commitment to timely, focused and life-saving care, ensuring that when every second matters, patients receive the attention they need without delay,” Prof. Lal added.

‘Cardiac diseases a leading cause of death in India’

Prof Rajesh Vijayvergiya of the Department of Cardiology said that cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the country, with a sharp increase observed among younger adults and women.

Recognising that nearly 80 per cent of these conditions are preventable through lifestyle modification, PGI has established a Preventive Clinic in the Department of Cardiology to address the widespread and growing burden of non-communicable diseases. The clinic primarily targets individuals aged 18 to 40 years, aiming to intervene early to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk. Each participant undergoes a detailed dietary evaluation, psychological assessment and blood investigations, based on which tailored lifestyle guidance is provided.

“One in five women between 15 and 49 years has untreated hypertension, and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women globally, surpassing even breast cancer. Yet symptoms in women are often misdiagnosed, said Prof Vijayvergiya.

“Nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath are frequently mistaken for symptoms of gastric issues. Hormonal changes, depression, and unregulated cosmetic hormone treatments may elevate cardiac risk. Early detection and awareness are critical,” Prof. Vijayvergiya said.

“Our fast-paced modern lifestyles overload the heart. Factors such as processed food, late-night work, poor sleep, excessive screen time, and unregulated exercise regimes can create cumulative stress. Supplement misuse, sedentary behaviour, and chronic mental strain disrupt heart rhythm and promote inflammation, weakening the heart’s ability to recover and increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death,” Prof. Vijayvergiya said.