It can be dangerous to postpone plans to seek medical attention on weekends for health-related issues of yourself or your near and dear ones, be it related to your brain, heart, blood pressure, or sugars.
In today’s medical science, more and more ways are being developed, and many are available, to provide definitive treatment against diseases that were once treated only with supportive care. Not to the fullest, but organ damage or complications can be limited if the victim reaches the Hospital “in Time”—often known as “The Window Period.”
In the case of “ischemic stroke” – in simpler terms—“brain attack” the blood supply to a particular part of the brain ceases, leading to symptoms such as weakness in any of the four limbs, facial deviation, or slurring of speech. Starting symptom, which can be as meagre as giddiness (Chakkar), is known as an “Index Symptom”. Suppose the patient reaches within this window period from the start of the Index symptom. In that case, there is a good chance that after carrying out necessary tests, “Thrombolytic Agents” (drugs that can dissolve the clot in the culprit artery) can bring many patients to normalcy. This window period — Index symptom till the patient receives Medication – is 3 hours in case of “stroke.”
Similarly, the Index Symptom for “Myocardial Infarction,” aka “heart attack,” can be anything varying from sudden onset uneasiness in the chest to a marked chest pain with sweating and breathlessness. The window period, in this case, is 3 hours. During this 3-hour window, thrombolytic therapy and primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) have the same efficacy in limiting mortality. Primary PCI is a procedure in ‘Cath-Lab’ in which the Cardiologist opens the blocked coronary artery using techniques commonly known as Coronary angiography and angioplasty. Compared to thrombolytic therapy, there’s roughly a 1-hour grace period before you start to lose the benefits of even primary PCI. The mandate is — “minutes means muscles.” – The more delay there is in definitive therapy, the more damaged the heart muscles are.
The importance of gradually, linearly, and in time bringing very high blood pressure to normal levels cannot be overlooked, considering its possible complications, such as damage to the kidneys and brain and vision-threatening damage to the retina.
In epidemics like Dengue, Chikungunya, or Swine flu, early recognition of alarming signs and adequate fluid resuscitation are paramount to avoiding circulatory collapse.
While keeping pace with the fast life, we should also take the calls from our bodies in time, as it is rightly said: a stitch saves nine.
Have queries or concern ?
Why Choose Sahyadri Hospital?
At Sahyadri Hospital, we prioritise timely medical intervention, understanding that swift action can significantly impact patient outcomes, especially in emergencies like strokes and heart attacks. We provide timely diagnosis and treatment with advanced tools including thrombolytic therapy and primary PCI. This helps to improve the prognosis by reducing the chances of treatment complications. Our experienced medical team is dedicated to providing care tailored to the urgent needs of each patient, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes within critical “window periods.”
Besides, our dedication does not start and end with providing only acute care. It encompasses management of pre-existing chronic conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. Consequently, the approach aims at a gradual correction of blood pressure and blood glucose levels in order to prevent major health risks and enhance quality of health. Sahyadri Hospital firmly believes in the patient-centric viewpoint, where every individual learns to listen to and respect the feedback given by their bodies, thus cultivating the need for and culture for health care. In Sahyadri Hospital, we are not simply a healthcare institution; we are a society that strives continuously to promote our patients’ health and wellness.
Why is timely medical care crucial for heart attacks? Timely medical intervention is essential for heart attacks because the first few hours are critical for treatment options like thrombolytic therapy and PCI, which can significantly reduce heart muscle damage.
What are the symptoms indicating a possible stroke? Symptoms of a stroke include sudden weakness in limbs, facial drooping, slurred speech, and dizziness. Recognizing these symptoms early is vital for effective treatment within the critical three-hour window.
How does Sahyadri Hospital ensure effective treatment during emergencies? Sahyadri Hospital prioritises swift medical intervention with advanced diagnostic tools and therapies, ensuring patients receive timely care for optimal outcomes during emergencies like strokes and heart attacks.
