‘Digital tech key to attending heart attacks in remote areas’

It can be used to provide initial treatment to patients

When someone suffers a heart attack, time is of the essence when arranging for medical attention. But what if the person is in a remote location, far away from a health facility where appropriate treatment can be provided? Senior cardiologist at KIMS Hospitals, B. Hygriv Rao says digital technology can be used to provide initial treatment in such situations.

During a heart attack, blood flow to some parts of heart stops because of clots in coronary arteries, causing damage to the organ’s muscles. A control centre could be established where experienced cardiologists are available round-the-clock. They can pass instructions to local healthcare workers in the remote places using digital technology. Dr Rao says ECG reports from a far-flung place can be directly sent from the machine to the control centre, or through a social media app.

“If the cardiologist concerned concludes that it is indeed a heart attack, instructions can be issued to administer clot busters or other medicines. Later, the patient can be taken to a health facility with cath lab where angiogram and angioplasty are performed,” explains Dr Rao.