Natl Med J India
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Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the elderly. With the increase in the number of elderly in India, hypertension is likely to emerge as an important public health problem. ⋯ Our findings emphasize the public health importance of hypertension in the elderly in Kerala at present, and point to a likely increase in burden of this problem in India in the near future. A National Hypertension Programme, targeted to meet the imminent public health challenge posed by hypertension seems warranted.
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Comparative Study
Use of the logistic organ dysfunction system to study mortality in an Indian intensive care unit.
Mortality in Indian intensive care units has not been well studied. Scoring systems are used to predict mortality of patients admitted to such units. Some scoring systems predict hospital mortality while others predict mortality in intensive care units. We used the logistic organ dysfunction system to study the hospital and intensive care unit mortalities in our intensive care unit. ⋯ Our intensive care unit mortality rate is comparable to the western hospital mortality rate. However, after transfer of patients out of the unit, the hospital mortality is higher.
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With the increase in life expectancy, prevalence of impairments and disabilities are expected to increase in India. However, there have been very few studies to estimate the magnitude of the problem in rural India. This is essential, if appropriate rehabilitation services are to be planned in the country. ⋯ Utilizing the rural field practice areas of medical colleges for collection of data on issues of national health importance would not only strengthen the health system in the country but also improve medical education. There is a need for a comprehensive preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative approach to disabilities in India.