As the trek to Sannidhanam from
Pamba involves steep climb at Neelimala and Karimala, it would be advisable for devotees
above 40 to undergo a medical check-up before the pilgrimage, especially if you are a
chain smoker.Many incidents of cardiac-related deaths are reported every year and most of
the deaths happen at Neelimala.
The Government is running a
cardiac care unit on this hill.Says Gopalakrishna Bhat, chief cardiologist of Medical
Trust Hospital, Ernakulam: ``If you've the habit of smoking cigarettes, or suffer from
blood pressure, hyper tension or cholesterol, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist.
Especially because of the high altitude and rarefied air, cardiac disorder called High
Altitude Pulmonary Edema can occur.'' He advises devotees above the age of 50 to undergo a
tread mill testing before the pilgrimage. And even if one doesn't have time to do the
testing, Dr Bhat offers a few tips to ensure the safety of your heart.``Don't climb fast
and take rest. And breath deeply.''
Dr Bhat also gives a few first
aid measures. ``If a person collapses due to cardiac problems, administer cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing. The mouth-to-mouth breathing should be given at least 15
times in a minute and massage, 60 times a minute. Ideally, this should be done by two
persons.'' Known as cardiac Pulmonary resuscitation in medical jargon, these measures help
increase blood circulation.
