Dr. Shruti Shah

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is emerging as a major public health issue in India, where more than 7 lakh people die each year, and nearly 80% of them suffer cardiac arrest outside hospital settings.  Survival rates are still under 10%, mainly because of the delayed response during the most crucial minutes of cardiac arrest, as shown by statistics on cardiac arrest in India by HeartWise India.  People of any age or condition, including young professionals, athletes and even those with no...

Both the automated external defibrillator (AED) and the manual defibrillator are intended to provide a shock to the heart in life-threatening situations.    On the most fundamental level, they have the same purpose, which is to assist in restoring normal heart rate in a situation where the heart does not work properly. Similarities end there. The two devices are designed for very different users and environments.    It is not about being better, but it is about situation, availability, and...

In India, an ambulance can often be delayed due to traffic jams, distance, or lack of proper infrastructure. In such situations, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can literally be a lifesaver during those critical minutes when a person has collapsed.  It acts as a first responder to revive the patient until the hospital or emergency team arrives.  That's why it is important to have AEDs in high-risk or large capacity areas such as offices, apartment complexes, or other public places. ...