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| Floods, cardiovascular health: The hidden crisis: Dr Sushil | | | 
early times report
Jammu, Sep 21: With recent devastating floods and with each passing day and its detrimental effect on cardiac health Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr. Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Rajeev Colony, Bikram Chowk Jammu with the aim to screen high risk cardiac patients and to disseminate the information regarding primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases by adopting healthy and cardiac friendly lifestyle.
While interacting with the people Dr Sushil Stated that Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters, causing widespread destruction, displacement, and disruption of lives. While the immediate consequences of floods are visible in the form of property damage and loss of life, their hidden impact on human health, especially cardiovascular health, is often overlooked. The physical, emotional, and environmental stressors associated with flooding significantly increase the risk of heart-related problems both during and after such disasters.
He elaborated that Floods expose individuals to acute and chronic stress.
The intense fear, uncertainty, and trauma of losing homes, livelihoods, or loved ones lead to heightened sympathetic activity in the body. This stress response can trigger hypertension, arrhythmias, and even precipitate heart failure in susceptible individuals. For those already living with cardiovascular diseases, the added stress can worsen their condition and complicate long-term management. Natural disasters like floods are strongly associated with a rise in acute cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
The sudden emotional strain, combined with limited access to emergency medical services, increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes. Studies have shown that hospital admissions for heart attacks surge in the days and weeks following floods, highlighting the profound link between environmental stress and heart health.
He added that another critical factor is the breakdown of healthcare infrastructure. Floods often damage roads, hospitals, and pharmacies, leading to interrupted access to medications and healthcare services.
Patients with chronic heart conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure are at particular risk when their routine treatment is disrupted. Missing doses of vital medications like anti-hypertensives , anti –Platelets, or diuretics can rapidly destabilize patients’ conditions. Importantly, the cardiovascular consequences of floods do not end when the waters recede.
Psychological stress, loss of stability, and exposure to environmental hazards such as mold and pollution can continue to affect survivors for months. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic anxiety contribute further to sustained cardiovascular strain, increasing the burden of disease well beyond the disaster period, He Said.
Dr Sushil Sharma in his concluding remarks told that floods are not merely environmental calamities - they are also silent drivers of cardiovascular disease. By intensifying stress, triggering acute cardiac events, disrupting healthcare access, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, floods impose a heavy burden on heart health.
Addressing this hidden crisis requires proactive measures: ensuring continuity of care during disasters, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and providing psychological support to survivors. Public health strategies must recognize the dual impact of floods both physical destruction and long-term cardiovascular harm so that communities can better prepare and recover. Protecting heart health in times of disaster is not just a medical necessity but a vital step toward building resilient societies.
Prominent members of the area Rakesh Bhalla , Rahul Mehra , Lalit Sharma , Rahul Sharma, Gopal Sharma and Sunil Mehra appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health check up camp and a moral boost for the people of the area.
Others who were part of this camp include Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor. Paramedics and Volunteers includes Rajkumar, Amnish Dutta , Paramveer Singh , Rajinder Singh , Gourav Sharma , Shubham Sharma , Makhan Sharma , Jatin Bhasin, Rahul Vaid , Rohit Nayyar , Mukhtar Malik , Anmol Singh , Sanjay Singh and Nirvair Singh Bali .
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