World Heart Day: Dr RK Jaswal Highlights Importance of Timely & Effective Action to Treat STEMI
Chandigarh, September 29, 2026: To sensitize the masses about heart diseases and ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases, Dr RK Jaswal, Senior Director and Head of Department, Cardiology, and Director – Cathlabs, highlighted the importance of early recognition and timely treatment of heart attacks during a press conference held here on the occasion of World Heart Day today.
In line with the hospital’s World Heart Day theme, “Jab Dil Ki Ho Baat, Toh Dil Pe Le,” Dr Jaswal spoke about heart attack or ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a serious form of heart attack that occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the heart becomes suddenly blocked.
“Since the heart muscle is highly metabolically active, it cannot survive for long without adequate blood flow and starts getting damaged rapidly. The risk of extent of damage and sudden collapse is particularly high during the first one to two hours after the onset of a heart attack, often referred to as the ‘Golden Hour’ of treating a heart attack,” said Dr Jaswal.
Explaining the urgency of treatment, Dr Jaswal, said, “A heart attack can be linked to a heart being on fire. The sooner the blocked artery is opened effectively, the greater the possibility of limiting damage to the heart muscle, preventing complications and improving the patient’s chances of recovery.”
Dr Jaswal further emphasised that recognising symptoms and seeking emergency medical care without delay was critical. “Symptoms such as chest discomfort or pain; pain or discomfort spreading to one or both arms, shoulders, back, neck, jaw or upper abdomen; shortness of breath; cold sweating; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; unusual or sudden fatigue or weakness; and a rapid or irregular heartbeat needs immediate medical evaluation. The first delay is often on the part of the patient and family because they may not recognise the earliest signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Any suspected heart attack requires immediate medical attention,” he said.
Dr Jaswal added that public awareness played an important role in reducing delays in treatment. “At Fortis Hospital Mohali, we regularly undertake patient and public awareness programmes to educate people about preventing heart attacks, recognising symptoms early and responding quickly if a family member develops an acute heart attack or STEMI.”
Dr Jaswal also highlighted the importance of an organised STEMI response system at hospitals. “The second delay can occur when a hospital is not equipped to respond quickly and effectively to a heart attack. At Fortis Hospital Mohali, we have created a STEMI protocol for rapid recognition of patients suffering from a heart attack and their prompt shifting to the cathlab after arrival at the emergency department,” he said.
Dr Jaswal further stated that the availability of an experienced cardiology and paramedical team, along with cardiac anaesthesia backup, helped facilitate timely treatment. “Fortis Mohali boasts of advanced interventional cardiology technologies, including rotational atherectomy, orbital atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), cutting/scoring balloons and Excimer Laser Coronary Angioplasty (ELCA), which can assist cardiologists in managing complex coronary blockages,” he added.
Dr Jaswal noted that timely treatment and an efficient STEMI care pathway were important determinants of outcomes in patients with acute heart attacks. “We are proud to announce that we have a door-to-balloon time as short as below 60 minutes, while the international gold standard is below 90 minutes,” he added.
Dr Jaswal also said the hospital reiterated its commitment to increasing public awareness about cardiovascular health and encouraged people to recognise the warning signs, seek emergency medical assistance and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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World Heart Day – 29th September
Observing World Heart Day, Fortis Mohali is launching a fun heart health awareness TEMPLE RUN Game today.
The Game temple run style game, is based on the WHD campaign theme – Har baat dil pe mat le, par jab dil ki ho baat to DIL PE LE!
Some things are not good for your heart, like smoking, junk food, stress, etc., which should be skipped and not taken to heart, so – Chhad yaar dil pe mat le is the key message.
On the other hand, there are good things which should actually be taken to heart, like healthy eating, staying active and getting regular health check-ups – Dil pe le.
The game is purely for fun and heart health awareness; it has no medical implications, does not exert any human or cause any health threat and does not give any diagnosis or medical advice.
About Fortis Healthcare Limited
Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics, and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates 36 healthcare facilities (including JVs and O&M facilities) across 12 states and union territories. The Company’s network comprises over 6,000 operational beds (including O&M beds) and 400 diagnostics labs.
ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE (“IHH”)
IHH is a leading multinational healthcare provider shaping the future of care. Driven by our aspiration to Care. For Good., we unite medical excellence and innovation, pushing boundaries through our trusted brands such as Acibadem, Gleneagles, Fortis, Island, Mount Elizabeth, Pantai, Parkway and Prince Court. Across 10 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Türkiye, India and Greater China, our 70,000-strong team delivers world-class excellence every day, within and beyond our 140 healthcare facilities, including more than 80 hospitals. Our comprehensive services span the full healthcare continuum, from primary and ambulatory to quaternary care, complemented by diagnostics, imaging, rehabilitation, telehealth and home care.
In partnership with our stakeholders, IHH is advancing value-based care, building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem and creating meaningful impact, as we work towards our vision to become the world’s most trusted healthcare services network. www.ihhhealthcare.com
