Ranchi: Vikram Kumar (name changed), 40, developed sudden chest pain after a routine workday. Assuming it was acidity, he took medication at home. But when the pain persisted, he rushed to a city hospital, where tests confirmed a heart attack. Timely treatment saved his life.Earlier this month, minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu, 56, died following cardiac arrest. He had complained of chest pain and uneasiness and was taken to a private hospital in Giridih, but could not be saved.Cardiologists in the city warned that many people continue to mistake early signs of cardiac problems for acidity, gas or routine body pain, often delaying treatment until it is too late.Dr Hemant Narayan Ray, professor and head of cardiology at Rims, said nearly 30% of patients visiting the department initially believe they are suffering from gas or acidity, but are later diagnosed with serious heart conditions.“Over the years, I have seen people, including the educated and sometimes even physicians, overlook symptoms and perceive them as mere pain or acidity. This can put their lives at risk. Greater awareness is needed so that people recognise the symptoms and seek treatment in time,” Ray said.Consultant interventional cardiologist at Medanta, Dr Mukesh Kumar Agarwal, said early recognition of symptoms is critical during a heart attack. “Many people ignore the symptoms and delay seeking medical attention for hours. At times, this proves fatal. Acidity-related discomfort generally does not persist for long. Pain in the arms, often mistaken for a joint problem, can also indicate a cardiac emergency,” he said.Doctors advised people not to ignore chest heaviness or burning, upper back pain, breathlessness or persistent chest discomfort. Those with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or a smoking history, they said, should be especially vigilant and undergo regular health check-ups, exercise and remain physically active.
