Press Release

Teachers and parents should quit smoking, says Padma Shri Dr G Vijayaraghavan
World Heart Day on September 29 Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 28 As we set out to observe World Heart Day on September 29, internationally acclaimed cardiologist Padma Shri Dr G Vijayaraghavan says that teachers and parents should stop smoking to eradicate this habit from the community, even as he dwells on the irreparable damage that tobacco use causes to the heart. Nearly 60 per cent of the patients in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit of KIMS are current or old smokers. More than 30 per cent have smoked over 2 packs a day for more than 10 years, says Dr Vijayaraghavan, Vice Chairman and Director Medical Services of KIMS Hospital here. The soft-spoken cardiologist, who holds Fellowships of the American Heart Association and the Royal College of Physicians, UK, among others, narrates cases of tobacco-induced heart conditions, which underlines the acute and chronic effects that tobacco has on humanity. A senior politician was forced to deplane at Mumbai en route to New Delhi following symptoms of discomfort in the chest, breathlessness and sweating. Knowing that planes are smoke-free, he smoked five cigarettes and consumed a packet of tobacco before boarding from Trivandrum Airport. It took him two weeks at the ICU and a bypass surgery to recover from the harm done. The only risk factor in the case of this patient who hails from a family known for its longevity was tobacco use. Recently another senior bureaucrat succumbed to heart disease at our ICU. He was a chain smoker who was trying to wean off the smoking habit. His children abroad used to supply him with nicotine tablets and patches, but the company he kept also made him smoke in addition. The dual penetration of tobacco, caused damage to his hearts and lungs; the main reason behind his loss was tobacco addiction. Explaining the transitory sense of alertness, he adds, When one smokes, the heart rate jumps up and the blood pressure rises. Continuous smoke to the lungs make the smoker feels warm, but that is due to high penetration of carbon dioxide in the blood. Smoking makes one a little alert, but that is short-lived, and quips, When you shake hands with a person and if it feels too warm, you can know that he is a smoker. Kerala, by virtue of its literacy is known for its high percentage (90 plus) of people who realise that smoking causes serious illnesses not just in them but also in non-smokers. What then can be done to help them quit? The doctor who has helped many people quit smoking says, It is successful when the patient comes forward and says, I would like to quit. Cooperative patients can easily quit tobacco smoking; all they may need in the intervening period of 1-2 weeks are some sleeping pills. It is also important to warn the spouse on the importance of cleaning the house, car and office so that lingering smoke does not yield further temptation.

Saikripa, 289, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram 695 038, Kerala || T: 0471-2361026 || E: tobaccofreekerala@gmail.com ||

Dr Vijayaraghavan says that he had one of his most shocking experiences when he walked into a smokefilled room at the college where his son was studying. The staff room was stuffy with the smell of smoke and I felt compelled to walk out of the room. The media has a definite role to play, the physician points out. Though media has reversed its gear in the last 20 years, it nevertheless has done untold harm to humanity. One always sees a Churchill with a cigar, Sherlock Holmes with a pipe, and a Dev Anand or a Raj Kapoor with cigarettes. The macho effect has tempted many youngsters to take up this habit. Chewing, smoking, snuffing or any form of tobacco use is harmful not only to heart but also to the lungs and intestines. Educational campuses and offices should be made tobacco-free along with strong pressure from wives to make husbands quit use at home. Public awareness is a key to this, he says. Dr Vijayaraghavan concludes with an exhortation, Let us pledge to stop smoking on this World Heart Day and continue it for the rest of our lives. Ends

Saikripa, 289, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram 695 038, Kerala || T: 0471-2361026 || E: tobaccofreekerala@gmail.com ||