Why are Heart attacks being reported at Garba nights?

In a tragic turn of events, at least 10 people, ranging from teenagers to middle-aged individuals, have died while performing Garba during Navratri celebrations in Gujarat in the past 24 hours. The youngest victim was a 13-year-old boy from Dabhoi, Baroda.

Over the first six days of Navratri, the 108 emergency ambulance services received 521 calls for heart-related issues and an additional 609 calls for breathlessness. Someone recorded these calls between 6 pm and 2 am, when Garba celebrations usually take place.

This alarming trend has prompted both the government and event organisers to take action. The state government issued an alert to all government hospitals and community health centers (CHCs) near Garba venues, urging them to be on high alert. Garba organizers have also received instructions to create corridors for ambulances to swiftly enter the events in case of emergencies.

Garba organisers have implemented safety measures for participants by stationing doctors and ambulances at the venues. They have also received advice to give their staff CPR training and to ensure plenty of water is available for participants.

What’s connection between heart attacks and Garba?

There is no direct association between heart attacks and Garba. However, excessive dancing coupled with other factors such as pre-existing heart disease, dehydration, increased heat exposure, alcohol or drug use, exposure to loud noises and stimulants, lack of sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of heart failure.

Garba is a high-energy folk dance that requires participants to be physically active for extended periods. While there is no direct link between heart attacks and Garba, several factors contribute to the increased risk.

These include pre-existing heart conditions, overexertion due to dancing for long hours, dehydration from excessive sweating, exposure to high temperatures, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

Health experts suggest several preventive measures to mitigate these risks. They advise participants to be aware of their physical limitations and not to push themselves beyond their capacity. They stress the importance of regular exercise throughout the year, maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep. Advise high-risk individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes to refrain from participating in Garba.

Various factors, including pre-existing medical conditions, intense physical exertion, and environmental factors, can attribute to sudden heart attacks during physical activities like Garba. Participating in high-intensity events like Garba could potentially worsen underlying health conditions, which increases the risk of heart-related problems.

Youth at risk: Heart issues in festivities

Many participants, including youngsters, may unknowingly have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, making them susceptible to cardiac issues during these physically demanding festivities. It’s crucial for individuals to be aware of their health, stay hydrated, and not push their physical limits during such celebrations.

In some cases, young people can experience sudden cardiac arrest due to factors like family-related heart conditions or irregular heart rhythms, especially under extreme emotional or physical stress. This risk can increase when there is an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes, which can occur during activities like dancing or exercising.

During the festival season, there has been a significant rise in patients seeking medical attention for heart-related issues. Common complaints include shortness of breath or chest pain. Dehydration, poor eating practices, and excessive physical activity are a few contributing factors.

Preventive measures

The primary strategy is education and addressing the underlying cause which is a long-term process. People should be educated about their health and physical limitations. They should exercise regularly, avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs, and junk foods, drink plenty of water, and get good sleep.

High-risk individuals should avoid playing Garba. Participants should consume foods rich in potassium and magnesium like banana or coconut water, and immediately stop dancing if they feel dizzy or heavy in their chest.

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