11 June 2011
Chennai, India
Walkathons, screenings, consultations and public lectures will form part of the the World Heart Rhythm Week, being observed by the Madras Medical Mission and the Arrhythmia Heart Failure Academy from June 6 to 12.
The theme for the programme is "putting pulse into practice." On Saturday, a 2km walkathon will be organised on the Marina and on Sunday there will be a lecture for arrhythmia patients.
Arrhythmia or abnormal rhythm of the heart can inappropriately slow the heart beat or speed it up. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, damaging the brain, heart, kidneys and other vital organs. It is estimated that up to five in every 1,000 people suffer from arrhythmia.
Symptoms include a strong pulse in the neck, light-headedness, loss of consciousness, seizures and breathlessness. If taken lightly, they can lead to collapse and death.
The key causes are electrolyte imbalances in the blood, injury from a heart attack, leaking or narrowed heart valves, heart tissue that’s too thick or stiff.
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