Cardiologists observe increase in panic -driven cardiac screenings in Mangaluru
"But after the recent Hassan incident, the level of panic among youngsters has noticeably increased," said Dr Rajesh Bhat U, consultant cardiologist at KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.
He told TOI: "Patients are coming in with symptoms that mimic a heart attack, such as tingling, shoulder, neck, or chest pain, based on what they have seen online and want to be sure it is not cardiac-related. Many insist on undergoing tests like echocardiography (Echo).
I try to reassure them that not all chest pain means a heart attack." He pointed out that those with risk factors such as smoking, tobacco, drug use, binge eating, high stress, diabetes at a young age, or a family history of cardiac issues need to be more cautious.
"The impact of social media is massive. I even advised a patient to take a break from it for peace of mind. Viral videos of young people collapsing while dancing or exercising have increased health anxiety.
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We are seeing people go from doctor to doctor, just to be doubly sure. This level of panic is unhealthy," he warned.
We need sustained action, says cardiologist
Dr Padmanabh Kamath, cardiologist, KMC Hospital Mangaluru and founder of Cardiology at Doorstep Foundation, said that the recently reported cardiac-related deaths in Hassan have triggered a fresh wave of panic, reminiscent of the public reaction after actor Puneeth Rajkumar's untimely demise in 2021.
"After Puneeth's death, people were crowding clinics, waiting on stairs and in corridors, demanding ECGs out of sheer fear.
Now, it is happening again. Those with even mild chest discomfort or slightly elevated cholesterol are rushing for tests," Dr Kamath observed.
Further, he said that clinic appointments are full. "In the last four days, I barely had a minute's rest at the clinic. People are walking in without referrals, asking only for ECGs and Echo tests.
On average, I see one or two health-check patients a day at the hospital's OPD, but on Saturday, I saw 12, and three were positive for early cardiac issues. So yes, the panic is helping in early detection, but this panic is temporary," he said.
However, he said that the Hassan incident has finally awakened local health systems. "ECG machines donated by our foundation to gram panchayats were lying idle for months, now they are being put to use. Suddenly, there is an increased demand. For instance, Kolnad gram panchayat has requested three more machines. Even Janaushadhi Kendras, which did five ECGs a day, are now doing 25–30. A total of 50 Janaushadhi Kendras were given ECG machines under the CAD initiative," he said, stressing consistent awareness and a disciplined lifestyle.
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