STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In view of improving healthcare in elderly persons particularly with respect to old age homes Head Department of cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Home for the aged & Infirm, Amphalla Jammu for elderly persons Where patients as well as their caretakers were educated about the role of primary prevention and timely intervention for decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiac ailments in geriatric patients particularly.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated that as people enter older age, the heart and blood vessels naturally undergo structural and functional changes arteries become stiffer, the cardiac muscle thickens, and the ability of the heart to pump efficiently may gradually decline. These age-related alterations increase vulnerability to hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure, making cardiovascular health one of the most critical determinants of quality of life in seniors. However, ageing itself is not the disease rather, the interplay of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, psychosocial stress, diabetes, high cholesterol, and poorly controlled blood pressure amplifies cardiovascular risk. Early recognition of these risk factors and timely interventions can significantly delay disease progression and preserve functional independence.
The initiative also shed light on the unique challenges faced by residents of old age homes, where multiple chronic illnesses, limited mobility and emotional challenges such as loneliness can exacerbate cardiovascular problems. Institutional living environments must therefore prioritize structured heart health programmes routine blood pressure and glucose monitoring, timely medication administration, salt restricted meals, supervised physical activity, and early recognition of cardiac symptoms such as breathlessness, pedal edema, fainting spells or sudden confusion. Trained caregivers and nursing staff play a crucial role in preventing complications by ensuring adherence to treatment, avoiding poly pharmacy related adverse effects, and facilitating prompt medical referral when deterioration occurs
“Heart health in the elderly is not merely about treating disease it is about preserving vitality, independence and dignity in the later decades of life,” said Dr. Sushil.
“Although ageing brings unavoidable biological changes, proactive risk factor control, healthy lifestyle adoption, regular medical follow up and compassionate, patient centered care can significantly reduce cardiovascular events and disability. Empowering seniors and their families with awareness, early detection and disciplined prevention transforms the ageing heart from a point of vulnerability into a symbol of resilience, ensuring that the golden years remain active, meaningful and heart strong.” Management committee of the Home for the aged & Infirm Pankaj Gupta (President), Dr Dinesh Gupta, Sat Pal Sharma and Rajinder Singh appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for conducting cardiac awareness cum health check up camp in Home for the aged & Infirm for welfare of the people.
Others who were part of this Camp includes Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Aditya Sharma. Paramedics and Volunteers include Kamal Sharma, Ranjeet Singh, Rajkumar, Anmol Singh, Makhan Sharma, Gokul Sharma, Gurpreet Singh, Rohit Nayyar, Mohd Altaf, Rajinder Singh, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.