Maharashtra’s 58-Lakh ECG Programme Flags More Than 34,000 Severe Heart-Attack Cases

MUMBAI, September 30: Maharashtra’s large-scale cardiac-care programme has conducted nearly 58 lakh electrocardiograms (ECGs) over the past seven years and identified more than 34,000 cases of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), one of the most serious forms of heart attack.

The figures highlight the scale of cardiovascular disease in the state and the importance of rapid diagnosis, particularly because timely treatment can significantly affect outcomes in patients experiencing a heart attack.

More Than 34,000 Critical Heart Attacks Identified

Nearly 5.8 million ECG tests conducted under the programme have flagged more than 34,000 STEMI cases.

STEMI occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is severely or completely blocked, making rapid medical intervention particularly important.

The programme aims to identify such cases quickly and connect patients with appropriate treatment facilities.

Maharashtra Launched STEMI Programme in 2020

The state launched its dedicated STEMI programme in 2020 using a hub-and-spoke healthcare model.

Under the system, patients can undergo ECG testing at government healthcare facilities closer to their homes instead of first travelling to a major cardiac centre.

The ECG is then digitally transmitted for specialist interpretation.

ECG Reports Can Be Analysed Within Minutes

One of the programme’s key features is its use of remote specialist assessment.

ECG results generated at participating government facilities can be sent digitally to specialists and interpreted within approximately four minutes.

Rapid interpretation helps healthcare workers determine whether a patient may be experiencing a heart attack and requires urgent treatment.

Clot-Busting Treatment Can Begin at Local Facility

When a STEMI is detected, trained healthcare staff at the local facility can begin thrombolysis, or clot-busting treatment, under specialist supervision when clinically appropriate.

The patient can then be referred to a larger cardiac centre for procedures such as angiography or angioplasty.

This approach is designed to reduce delays between the onset of symptoms and treatment.

Programme Now Covers 34 Districts

The cardiac-care network has expanded significantly since its introduction.

It now covers 34 districts across Maharashtra through approximately 2,415 spoke facilities.

These include primary health centres and other government healthcare institutions where ECG testing can be conducted closer to patients.

134 Cardiac Hubs Support Treatment

The system is connected to around 134 hub centres capable of providing more advanced cardiac care.

Participating hubs include medical colleges, private hospitals and charitable hospitals equipped with cardiac catheterisation laboratories.

Patients who qualify can receive eligible treatment under the state’s public health insurance framework.

Programme Initially Covered 12 Districts

The initiative initially operated in 12 districts.

It was expanded to another 22 districts in March 2024, significantly increasing access to rapid cardiac diagnosis and emergency treatment outside major urban centres.

The expansion is particularly important for patients living in locations where specialised cardiology services are not immediately available.

Younger Patients Also Emerging as Concern

Separate analysis of 2,657 cardiac procedures conducted over three years at a Mumbai hospital found that almost one in four patients undergoing procedures was below the age of 50.

Around 60% of procedures involved patients aged 50 to 69, while approximately 6% involved people between the ages of 20 and 40.

The figures have renewed attention on cardiovascular disease appearing at younger ages.

Men Account for Majority of Procedures

Men accounted for approximately 67% of the cardiac procedures included in the analysis.

Doctors have increasingly reported encountering coronary artery disease requiring investigation or treatment among people in their 40s and, in some cases, even younger.

However, age alone does not determine an individual’s cardiovascular risk.

Diabetes and Hypertension Among Major Risk Factors

Several established factors can increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

These include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity and family history of heart disease.

Managing these risk factors through appropriate medical care and lifestyle measures can help reduce cardiovascular risk.

Mumbai Records Significant Heart-Attack Death Burden

Municipal data indicate that Mumbai continues to face a substantial burden from heart disease.

An average of around 27 people per day were recorded as dying from heart attacks in the city, highlighting the importance of prevention, early recognition and access to emergency cardiac care.

Chest Pain and Breathlessness Should Not Be Ignored

Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pressure or discomfort, pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back or jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or sudden weakness.

Symptoms can vary between individuals.

Anyone experiencing possible signs of a heart attack should seek urgent medical attention rather than attempting to diagnose or treat the condition at home.

Early Treatment Can Make Critical Difference

In a STEMI, delays in restoring blood flow can increase damage to the heart muscle.

The hub-and-spoke programme is designed to shorten the time between diagnosis and treatment by enabling ECG testing and initial treatment at healthcare facilities closer to patients.

Patients requiring advanced procedures can subsequently be transferred to specialist cardiac centres.

Maharashtra Expands Early Cardiac Detection

The nearly 58 lakh ECGs and more than 34,000 identified STEMI cases demonstrate the scale at which Maharashtra’s cardiac programme is operating.

By connecting local health facilities with specialists and advanced cardiac centres, the programme aims to ensure that patients experiencing severe heart attacks receive diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.

The latest figures also underline the continuing need for awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and timely medical evaluation when warning symptoms appear.

Source – Maharashtra National Health Mission / Times of India The Times of India

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