Kolkata: The ongoing scorching heat spell has led to a sharp increase not only in heat exhaustion and dehydration cases but also in heart attacks, strokes, and neurological emergencies across hospitals in the past week. Several medical facilities have reported a surge in emergency admissions and have deployed additional staff to manage the influx.
Alarming Rise in Cardiac and Neurological Complications
Doctors have noted that the rise in cardiac and neurological complications is particularly alarming. Extreme heat is aggravating pre-existing illnesses and triggering life-threatening conditions. CMRI Hospital has observed an increase in patients with cardiac and neurological issues. Ranita Saha, a cardiologist at BM Birla Heart Hospital, emphasized that the elderly, children, and individuals 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 explained.
Hospital Reports and Patient Data
BP Poddar Hospital treated 17 patients in its emergency department over the past five days for 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." Deep Das, a neurologist at BM Birla Hospital, added that dehydration makes blood thicker and more prone to clotting, sharply elevating 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 abruptly moving from outdoor heat into heavily air-conditioned spaces, as sudden temperature changes can stress blood vessels and trigger strokes.
Additional Health Risks and Precautions
Hospitals are also witnessing severe diarrhea cases linked to unsafe drinking water and heat exposure, noted emergency specialist Nishant Agarwal. Bhagirathi Neotia Women and Child Care Centre consultant gynecologist Suparna Chowdhury warned that extreme heat can also trigger complications during pregnancy. Health authorities urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
