 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 12: Reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare during the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu, Dr. Sushil Sharma held a day long Cardiac Awareness-cum-Health check Camp at Ram Mandir, Purani Mandi, one of the base camps for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims. The camp aimed to provide basic medical screening services to yatris and local residents while creating awareness about preventing cardiovascular complications associated with high-altitude travel. Hundreds of pilgrims and residents benefited from blood pressure measurement, blood sugar testing, ECG examination, clinical evaluation, personalized medical consultation and awareness for high altitude travel.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sushil said that although the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is one of India's most sacred pilgrimages, it is also physically demanding because the holy cave is situated at an altitude of nearly 3,880 meters (12,700 feet). Reduced oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, rugged terrain, dehydration, and prolonged physical exertion significantly increase the workload on the heart. These conditions can trigger serious cardiovascular emergencies, particularly among individuals suffering from coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, valvular heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. He emphasized that even apparently healthy individuals with undiagnosed heart disease may develop symptoms during the journey, making medical evaluation before undertaking the pilgrimage extremely important.
Dr. Sushil highlighted that modern cardiology has moved towards precision medicine, where every individual receives personalized advice based on age, physical fitness, previous cardiac events, blood pressure control, diabetes status, kidney function, exercise tolerance, and current medications. Such individualized assessment enables physicians to determine whether a pilgrim is medically fit for the Yatra and allows timely optimization of treatment before travel, thereby minimizing preventable cardiac complications. He stressed that personalized healthcare not only improves safety but also empowers devotees to undertake the sacred journey with greater confidence.
He advised pilgrims to ensure that chronic illnesses remain well controlled before starting the Yatra, continue all prescribed medications without interruption, carry adequate supplies of medicines, remain well hydrated, consume balanced meals, avoid smoking and alcohol, improve physical fitness through regular walking and breathing exercises, and wear appropriate clothing to protect themselves from cold weather. Dr. Sushil also urged yatris to immediately seek medical attention if they experience chest pain, unusual breathlessness, severe fatigue, dizziness, fainting, persistent palpitations, confusion, or bluish discoloration of the lips and fingertips, warning that delaying treatment at high altitude can rapidly become life-threatening.
Highlighting the broader significance of preventive cardiology, Dr. Sushil stated that maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, weight management, cholesterol and blood sugar control, stress reduction, yoga, and meditation not only protects against cardiovascular disease but also enhances endurance required for challenging pilgrimages like the Amarnath Yatra. He remarked that safeguarding one's health is an essential responsibility and complements the spiritual discipline, devotion, and faith that the Yatra symbolizes. He further said that integrating evidence-based preventive healthcare with spiritual journeys can save countless lives while ensuring a safer pilgrimage for all. |
