In a world where professional trajectories often follow predictable paths, there emerges an extraordinary individual who defies convention and navigates the intricate landscape of diverse careers with unparalleled grace. Meet Nivedya Sohan Roy, a luminary whose journey unfolds as a captivating tapestry, seamlessly blending the realms of marine engineering, clinical hypnotherapy, podcasting, and holistic well-being along with running a dental and aesthetic clinic. Her narrative, far from a conventional tale, mirrors the harmonious integration of passions and professions, guided by a profound commitment to transformative wellness. As we delve into the remarkable odyssey of Nivedya Sohan Roy, the symphony of her multifaceted career echoes with resilience, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of happiness and success.
Her journey, a mesmerizing tapestry of skills and passions, began with a degree in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from the renowned University of Southampton in the UK. It was a path seemingly ordained by familial ties to the marine industry, but as the currents of her career unfolded, Nivedya discovered a different calling echoing from the depths of her childhood dreams.
Her initial foray into the realm of marine engineering left her feeling adrift, like a ship without a compass. It was then that Nivedya, guided by the echoes of a long-nurtured aspiration, decided to embark on a transformative journey. A journey that intertwined the rigors of engineering with the subtle nuances of the human mind – a journey into Clinical Hypnotherapy.
With determination as her North Star, Nivedya delved into the intricacies of therapy. Handwriting analysis, transpersonal regression therapy, and the mystical dance of energy work became the tools she wielded in the realm of transformative wellness. Her engineering background, far from being abandoned, became the hidden wind in her therapeutic sails.
Nivedya’s unique approach to therapy was akin to solving an intricate engineering puzzle. Her problem-solving mindset, cultivated in the world of shipbuilding, seamlessly merged with the nuanced art of identifying the root causes of emotional turmoil. Contrary to popular misconceptions, hypnotherapy, under her guidance, was not a mere surface-level intervention but a deep dive into the origins of issues, an exploration echoing the meticulous scrutiny of an engineer examining the blueprint of a complex structure.
Nivedya Sohan Roy
Podcasting became her stage, where she showcased her expertise in hypnotherapy, holistic well-being, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her credentials painted a vivid canvas of mind sciences, encompassing an array of modalities from Clinical Hypnotherapy to therapeutic tarot reading. In the cinematic realm, her involvement in DAM999, a poignant tribute to the Banqiao Dam disaster, spoke volumes about her commitment to impactful storytelling and historical awareness.
Nivedya’s therapeutic prowess extended into the realm of chronic pain and disease management. Here, she bridged the gap between the physical and the emotional, unveiling the intricate connections between unresolved emotional distress and physical manifestations. Hypnotherapy, in her hands, emerged as a powerful tool for healing, offering a profound alternative to traditional approaches.
The battlegrounds of anxiety disorders and addictions found a skilled warrior in Nivedya. For anxiety, she navigated the labyrinth of root causes, gently restoring the balance of the parasympathetic nervous system. Addictions, she believed, were shadows cast by unfulfilled aspects of life, and her therapeutic approach aimed at identifying and addressing these roots, guiding clients towards a healing path.
In a world where skepticism surrounded hypnotherapy like a dense fog, Nivedya stood as a beacon of clarity. Addressing phobias, fears, and the cessation of smoking, she demystified the process, showcasing its effectiveness in altering thought patterns and behaviors by tapping into the subconscious mind.
For Nivedya, success wasn’t measured in accolades but in the transformative tales she encountered. Cases referred by psychologists, psychiatrists, or doctors became milestones, especially in realms where traditional approaches faltered, such as eating disorders and mysterious physical ailments.
Nivedya Sohan Roy
As the Chief Happiness Officer of the Aries Group’s Happiness Division, Nivedya orchestrated a delicate dance between corporate responsibilities and therapeutic endeavors. Her secret weapon was meticulous time management, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to both realms and infuse her therapeutic expertise into holistic well-being initiatives.
Acknowledging her father, Sir Sohan Roy, as a guiding force, Nivedya embraced the lessons of hyper-efficiency, growth-oriented mindset, and proactive problem-solving. Her entrepreneurial ventures reflected her commitment to innovation and accessibility in healthcare, with investments in ventures like Wolf/Tenshield Airmasks, AM Health Hub, Cliniqally, and Aries Dental and Aesthetic Clinic.
Behind the veil of professionalism, Nivedya found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Salsa and bachata dancing, the warmth of family, and the companionship of dogs became her sanctuaries. Outdoor pursuits and the gentle embrace of yoga completed her holistic approach to well-being.
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, Nivedya’s voice echoed wisdom to aspiring leaders. Embrace a growth mindset, persevere through storms, and constantly explore new strategies, she advised. In the symphony of entrepreneurship, resilience and a commitment to finding solutions were the notes composing the sweet melody of success.
And so, Nivedya Sohan Roy’s journey unfolded, a harmonious composition of diverse professions and passions. Her tale echoed through the corridors of resilience, innovation, and a relentless commitment to personal and societal well-being.
In a small room near the Alps in northern Italy, millions of crickets are being processed to become food despite initial resistance. The crickets are frozen, boiled, dried, and pulverized to create a light brown flour used in various food products such as pasta, bread, energy bars, and even sports drinks. Italy, known for its culinary traditions, has traditionally resisted the idea of eating insects, with the government even taking steps to ban their use in pizza and pasta production. However, several Italian producers have been experimenting with cricket-based pasta, pizza, and snacks.
The shift towards insect consumption in Italy is driven by sustainability concerns. Insect farming requires significantly less water and land compared to traditional livestock farming, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Insects are also rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and amino acids, making them a nutritious superfood. However, the main challenge to widespread adoption of insect-based food is the price, as it remains more expensive than traditional alternatives.
In addition to cost, social acceptance plays a role in the resistance to insect food in Italy. The country prides itself on its Mediterranean diet, and some view insect products as a threat to Italian culinary traditions. Concerns about the potential health effects of consuming insects and the fear of deviating from established eating habits contribute to the opposition.
Italy is not the only country divided on the issue of insect food. Poland and other European countries have seen debates and political disputes surrounding the topic. However, countries like Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have shown more openness to insect consumption.
As the global population continues to grow, finding sustainable food sources becomes crucial. Insect consumption is seen as a potential solution to meet the rising demand while minimizing the environmental impact. With the recent approval of insect consumption by the EU, the insect food sector is expected to grow, leading to potential price reductions and increased availability.
Producers like Ivan Albano, who runs the Italian Cricket Farm, see insect farming as an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice that could play a role in addressing global food challenges. Despite initial resistance, more people are showing curiosity and ordering cricket-based products, indicating a shifting mindset towards insect consumption. The hope is that as awareness and acceptance increase, insect food will become a viable option to feed the growing population while minimizing ecological impact.
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Leading specialists warn that mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue and chikungunya have entered new regions of Europe.
According to European experts, the circumstances for the insects have improved due to more frequent heatwaves, floods, and longer, warmer summers.
They are requesting improved mosquito prevention and control tactics.
They assert that in the absence of these, mosquito-borne illnesses will probably cause more sickness and fatalities.
The study, published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), monitors the spread of several mosquito species that are capable of transmitting a wide range of viruses to people.
These include dengue and Zika, which in the worst instances may leave individuals critically unwell and produce a variety of symptoms including fevers and muscular pains.
One mutation in Zika might cause a fresh outbreak.
Minister in Peru resigns as a result of dengue fever epidemic
The ECDC research claims that this year, compared to eight European nations a decade ago, the Aedes albopictus mosquito—known to transmit dengue and chikungunya—has “established” itself in 13 countries in Europe. This means it has grown a self-sustaining population and is reproducing.
Aedes aegypti, which can transmit illnesses including yellow fever, Zika, and West Nile virus, established itself in Cyprus last year, and scientists fear it may continue to spread to neighbouring nations.
“In recent years, we have observed a geographical spread of invasive mosquito species to previously unaffected areas in the EU/EEA,” said Andrea Ammon, head of the ECDC.
“If this keeps up, we may anticipate more instances and perhaps even fatalities from illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile fever.
“Efforts need to concentrate on ways to control mosquito populations, improving surveillance and enforcing personal protective measures,” the report stated.
Healthcare professionals and the general public need to be more aware of the many diseases spread by mosquitoes, according to the ECDC.
Dengue, which is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes, can result in a fever, excruciating headache, pain behind the eyes, aching muscles and joints, and a blotchy rash.
Globally, the number of instances has increased in recent decades. It is endemic in more than 100 nations in the Western Pacific, South and South-East Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Most West Nile virus infections go unnoticed, but when it does, symptoms might include headaches, extreme fatigue, muscular pains, vomiting, rashes, and eye discomfort.
An sickness that affects the brain and can be deadly is more likely to impact older persons and those with compromised immune systems.
Along with headaches, muscular discomfort, and rashes, fever and joint pain are the chikungunya virus’ most typical symptoms.
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A plan that would outlaw laboratory-produced beef and other synthetic foods has the support of Italy’s right-wing government, underlining the country’s culinary tradition and commitment to public health.
A violation of the ban might result in fines of up to €60,000 (£53,000) if the plans are approved.
The minister of agriculture and food sovereignty under a new name, Francesco Lollobrigida, spoke on the value of Italian cuisine. The measure was applauded by the farmers’ group.
But, it was a setback for certain animal welfare organisations, who had promoted lab-produced meat as a solution to problems like preserving food safety and the environment from carbon emissions.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is one of the 500,000 signatories to a petition that Coldiretti and other agriculture advocacy groups have gathered in recent months to safeguard “natural food vs. synthetic food.”
She addressed a “flash mob” assembled by Coldiretti outside her office in Rome, saying, “We could only rejoice with our farmers a legislation that puts our farmers in the vanguard, not just on the topic of safeguarding quality… but also in defending consumers.”
The proposed bill came hard on the heels of a series of government decrees banning the use of flour derived from insects such as crickets and locusts in pizza or pasta.
Both initiatives were initiated by ministers who cited Italy’s renowned Mediterranean diet as their inspiration.
“Laboratory products can not guarantee quality, well-being, or the safeguarding of the Italian food and wine culture and tradition, to which part of our tradition is related,” said Mr. Lollobrigida, a member of the far-right Brothers of Italy party.
The measures, which were adopted by the ministers on Tuesday, aim to outlaw lab-produced fish and synthetic milk as well as other synthetic meals made from animal cells without harming the animal.
After “careful review,” the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last November approved cell-cultured chicken for human consumption. Singapore’s regulatory body approved the use of lab-grown chicken meat in nuggets in 2020.
Although the European Union has not yet approved any cell-based agriculture practises, such as cultured meat, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has stated that such practises “could be considered as a promising and innovative solution… for healthy and environmentally friendly food systems.”
Commentators noted that due to the free flow of goods and services, Italy would not be able to object to the sale of synthetic beef made within the EU once it receives EU clearance.
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Germany, France, Italy, and Spain have suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients.
To this, the company and European regulators have commented that there is no evidence for the shot to be blamed. The four countries have joined the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, and a few other nations that have already paused the use of the vaccine.
However, the World Health Organization is still recommending the vaccine and stated that the greatest threat facing the countries is the lack of access to vaccines and not blood clot concerns.
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The World
Health Organisation has predicted that the present Covid-19 crisis will be over
in the timeframe of two years.
The organisation
has cited the Spanish Flu experience as the justification for its argument about
the crisis.
It has explained
about the ability of technology to bring down the impact of the present crisis
to the half of its actual potential.
Spanish Flu
is not very different from Covid-19. It is a disease outbreak which brought havoc
to the world during the 1910s – like the one who has been brought by the
present disease crisis.
It took at
least two years for the world to recover from the crisis.
During the
said period, the world was not advanced in terms of technology.
The latest
statement of the WHO is a comparison between the present crisis and the one the
earth experienced during the Spanish Flu period.
What makes
the comparison disturbing is the fact that unlike the Spanish Flu period at
present the world is highly connected.
The Spanish
Flue crisis clamed as many as 50 million lives across the world.
The present Covid-19 crisis has killed not less than 800,000 people and left more than 23 million people injured.
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Apart from being an extra-ordinary keyhole surgeon, Dr. Padmakumar, who is one of the unique surgeons in the world performing all forms of minimally invasive surgeries, is well known for his caring and compassionate attitude. He, who has dedicated his entire life for hospitality, is not only an asset to our state of Kerala, but also a gem to the entire world. He is at a time a student, who is always eager to learn new techniques in laparoscopy; as well as a teacher who finds happiness in sharing what he has learned, to others who are eager to know about the topic. After securing an MBBS degree from Alappuzha Medical College, his destiny was to be a part and a leader of a medical revolution. As a surgeon with around 23 years of experience, he stands with a magical method which offers a permanent solution to painful surgeries. It is important to remember that the doctor has contributed immensely in developing this surgical method and in passing what he has learned to the next generation for the benefit of the society.
It is the knowledge and experience he has gained from New Delhi AIIMS, Chennai Apollo and Mumbai Tata Memorial, and his hard work, accuracy and self-learning capability is what that makes Dr. Padmakumar one of the finest Keyhole surgeons in the world. He is a source of comfort not only to patients in Kerala, but also to patients in the GCC countries. He is the fifth person in the world and the first person in the Gulf countries and Kerala to conduct a surgery to surgically resolve the condition of diabetes under the non-obesity category. He is one of the rare doctors who has expertise in endoscopic thyroidectomy, and is the first doctor to successfully perform intestinal surgery with just two grams of haemoglobin. He is the inventor of Ileal Hybrid technology. It is a commendable achievement that he was ranked twenty-eight when the 100 most powerful Indians were selected in Gulf countries in the year 2012. The doctor has a lot of golden feathers in the crown of excellence such as Global Achievers Award 2014, Voice of Gulf Returnees Excellence Award 2016 and Icon of Laparoscopy 2018. In the year 2016, he was the National President of the Indian Hernia Society. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Association of Surgeons of India (Kerala Chapter) and National Vice President of SELSI (Society of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of India). Let’s hear what the apostle of simplicity and service has to say about the importance of keyhole surgery and many things related to that.
The Importance of Endoscopic Neck Surgery Endoscopic neck surgery is one of the rare surgeries in the world. This is mostly done in thyroid cases. Nonetheless, this can be done in cases of para-thyroid, thyro-glossal cyst surgery and lymph node operation. Specifically speaking, a three-year-old Omani child with branchial cyst condition was treated with the help of keyhole surgery. Usually, this surgery is not done in children. This case is a world record. Generally, patients show disinterest to thyroid surgeries as it may leave a mark on the neck of patients. Today, using the potential of keyhole surgery, this condition can be cured without the fear of any permanent mark. The publication about Endoscopic Neck Surgery has appeared in the International Journal. A special invitation was made by the government of Dubai to perform these surgeries on their natives. What makes this method attractive is it does not make permanent mark and does not consume too much time for recovery. This surgery is of great importance in the treatment of cancer.
Small Wound, Excellent Results
Minimally invasive surgery training needs lot of dedication and hard work. Many complex surgeries which required large cuts (20 to 30 cm) in abdomen or chest can now be performed using one or two centimetre cuts. This will bring down pain very significantly and reduce hospital stay. Patient will be in a position to resume normal activities in few days. In cases of cancer, as the cuts are very smaller in laparoscopy, patient can proceed with additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation without much delay. The need for blood transfusion is reduced to one-hundredth as we have precision, magnification by HD camera and vessel sealing by use of ultrasonic devices.
Obesity Treatment
Obesity in children is managed by Intragastric balloon placement with the help of endoscope. Women suffering from infertility due to polycystic ovarian disease also benefits very well by this procedure, if they have high levels of body fat. People with morbid obesity will require Bariatric surgery. This keyhole procedure helps them not only in fat loss or weight loss but also helps to resolve their medical conditions like Diabetes, high BP, high cholesterol, sleep disorders. The joint disease & fatty liver also improves a lot once the person loses weight. Risk of cancer especially of colon, breast, ovary – are reduced remarkably with weight loss.
Diabetes cure through surgery It is a big deal that diabetes can be cured using laparoscopic surgery. It is an undisputed reality that there is no clear understanding about this among people. This surgery is normally prescribed to type-2 diabetes patients, and is very effective. This is called Hybrid Ileal Interposition. It has been featured in an International Journal as a surgical innovation. This treatment is now very popular around the world. I was an invitee in the first IFSO conference held in Canada in 2014. Hybrid Ileal Interposition has gained greater recognition than Robotic Surgery when it has been identified that the former consumes less time and costs less compared to the latter. If this surgery is done in a patient with diabetes type-2, he/she can taste cure within a timeframe of 24 hours itself. If one is obese or overweight and under treatment for type-2 diabetes for long time, he/she can be treated with this method – which helps to adjust the intestine position and resume insulin production. But, this type of surgery is not effective in type-1 diabetes mellitus patients in which insulin production is completely defective.
Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
All kinds of hernias can be effectively managed by minimally invasive technique. It avoids large cuts especially on the area of hernia which is already weak. Using a one centimetre cut, the lap surgeon can place large mesh – five times the size, possible in open surgery. Mesh will be placed in the beginning portion of hernia so as to get best strength and least reaction with skin and fat. It gives excellent results as recurrence chance is only 0.1 percent and infection chance is very negligible. Patient can be active in few days’ time compared to months of rest in cases done by open techniques.
How did you get interested in Laparoscopy
The Laparoscopy was introduced in India while I was doing my post-graduation in New Delhi. It was only few years since its inception in the world. My training period gave me the opportunity to observe and compare the laparoscopy with open methods. The remarkable advantage and comfort of laparoscopy experienced by patients, generated interest in me to pursue this speciality. I have trained and developed a team of experts who are now capable of performing these procedures and surgeons from all across globe continue to benefit from our training programmes.
Keyhole surgery: Further studies are underway Right now, there are several surgical associations across the world. Special live operative sessions and conferences are arranged for – the members of these associations – who are interested in this specialty. In some cases, only a week long session is required to get an idea of this method. Sessions about this procedure also improve the knowledge of both teachers as well as students. I was a person who learned this technique with my own effort. Earlier, it needed at least one year to learn this method. But, now, it requires only weeks. What attracts doctors is the fact that laparoscopy require less time to perform.
This surgical procedure is taught through several steps and methods. Large pigs in animal labs at Yenopoya Medical College are used for training purpose. To get an opportunity to try this method on human, a surgeon has to get acquainted with this technique by observing several cases on a regular basis. International Conference is organised every year to discuss the latest developments of this specialty, and to promote this method. The main objectives of Verwandeln Institute in Kochi are to promote Laparoscopic training and conference. The institute activity benefits learners, and helps patients to be aware of this surgical innovation. Only when patients are aware, they seek such procedures and give consent to laparoscopic surgeries. There is an outpatient section, named Keyhole clinic in Kochi to educate patients about this method. For those who need the surgical service, it is done at VPS Lakeshore hospital. There is a general confusion about whether there is any difference between keyhole surgery and laparoscopy. Actually, laparo means abdomen and scope means watch. That means when done in the abdomen – it is laparoscopy; when done in the chest -thoracoscopy; when at the joints- arthroscopy; and when in the neck- endoscopic neck surgery. Laparoscopic method is helpful to treat cancer – especially in cases connected to intestine. It avoids bringing out intestine – stoma.
Some experience Jehovah’s Witness belief group will not accept blood transfusion. Once such a patient, with an intestine bleeding condition, consulted me. For him, his belief was much higher than his life. To save him and his belief, for the first time in the modern medical history, surgery was performed on him with just 2 gmHb; without the support of any blood administration. He was given oxygen assistance for at least four weeks. An injection to improve haemoglobin level –was administered. He successfully recovered from his disease. That story was featured in several global journals. For a doctor, what is important is the health and satisfaction of his patients. He should be willing to go to any extend to help his patients. Had I not taken that risk, the aforesaid patient would not have survived his disease condition. Likewise, a surgery performed on a cancer patient who was turned away by almost all major hospitals across India is also noteworthy. She was struggling with the pain caused by the disease condition. The tumour that had developed in her pelvis had spread to almost all nearby organs. Through surgery, the size of the tumour was reduced to around 1/20. It is very satisfying to see her moving around happily. A surgery done on a woman who suffered a stab injury from a guest worker is similar to those mentioned above. She was bleeding to death. In that case also, the patient was successfully saved by an emergency chest surgery within minutes of her arrival to hospital.
A virus is not even a living thing, but yet has managed to get a technologically and militarily advanced human-world in its entirety into a stupefying and unimagined lock-down, while every other animal moves gracefully free! It is enigmatic to realize that this virus which is just 0.06 – 0.14 Microns in size and a mere structure of a single strand of nucleic acid, some lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and that which actually needs a host to propagate has humbled the scepter wielding powers of the world.
About the virus: The Corona virus has spikes on it which gives it the appearance of a crown or corona, from which it derives its name. It is with these spikes that the virus gains entry into the host cells and multiplies and then causes all the ensuing destruction. It was initially named the novel corona virus and subsequently as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus – 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is presumed to have originated in bats and then moved to probably the pangolin before it infected the humans for the first time in Wuhan, Hubei province in China. The Corona Virus disease 2019 or the COVID-19, is now a global pandemic affecting over 3.2 million people and counting, in 210 countries and territories of the world.
How does the virus spread? The virus is spread mainly via droplets but can be aerosolized when someone coughs or sneezes and can remain stable in the atmosphere for up to 3 hours in the aerosol, depending on factors such as atmospheric temperature, humidity and ventilation. It can remain on hard surfaces from 24 hours on cardboards and to as many as 3 days on steel and plastics. There are reports that the virus is excreted via the stools also. The virus has a high reproduction number and therefore spreads easily. So the common mode of infection is when a person with the virus contaminated hand touches the nose, mouth or eye or inhales the virus containing aerosol, with the virus thus gaining entry into the lungs.
The incubation time or the time between the entry of the virus into the body and appearance of symptoms is an average of 4 to 5 days, but can range from 1 to 14 days. An infected person can spread the virus even when he has no symptoms and thus be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. It is the combination of the high infectivity along with the ability of a person to infect even when he is asymptomatic, that has been responsible for the rapid spread and the pandemic proportions of the disease.
How does it damage the lungs and other organs? The primary target of the virus is the respiratory system and the virus uses its spike proteins to enter the lung cells by binding to a receptor called angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2). This enzyme is expressed in the heart also, in addition to the lungs and also plays a key role in the functioning of the heart and development of high blood pressure in humans. Once the virus enters the lungs it begins to multiply and the symptoms during these early stages are mostly mild or can be none at all. The protective mechanisms in the body tries to fight and suppress the virus by producing immune cells and also chemicals called cytokines. In some patients however, the release of these chemicals can be sudden and severely out of proportion, a phenomenon called, the ‘cytokine storm’ which ultimately turns out to be damaging to the patient himself. The chemical release damages the lungs causing breathing difficulty and the failure of lungs to oxygenate the blood results in decreased oxygen supply to all organs affecting their normal functioning too. When the kidneys start failing, the waste products start accumulating in the body, further depressing the function of the organs and also causes additional bacterial infection in the blood and organs causing septic organ failure.
What are the symptoms and signs of COVID-19? The usual symptoms are fever and dry cough but conspicuously a runny nose and gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting are uncommon, though they can occur. 80% of the infected patients have no pneumonia (lung-infection) or may have only a mild pneumonia and only 15% develop more serious respiratory symptoms needing hospitalization and assisted breathing support and only 5% become critical with respiratory failure, shock and or multi organ failure.
Who are the people at high risk? It is to be remembered that the virus is highly infective and all are equally susceptible to the infection. It is the severity of the disease and the complications that varies amongst subsets. The ones who are at risk for more severe disease, complications and a poorer outcome are people with poor immunity, the malnourished, elderly and frail, patients on long-term steroids and other immuno-suppressive drugs as liver, kidney and heart transplant patients.
COVID-19 and the heart: The primary damage to the heart results from the lack of oxygen supply to the heart which causes a progressive failure in the pumping function of the heart. Added to this insult, the sudden chemical storm can cause a fall in the blood pressure which further reduces the blood and oxygen supply to the heart, thus creating a vicious cycle of increasing damage. The brain when it senses this poor pumping efficiency of the heart, in order to maintain adequate oxygen supply to the organs causes an increase in the heart-rate. This helps initially, but then the heart starts failing like a repeatedly flogged horse does, to a point when it cannot cope up further and a cardiac arrest ensues.
People with heart ailments are not especially prone for COVID-19 and their risk to get the infection is the same as any healthy person. However, patients with heart diseases can have more severe complications when they get COVID, especially those with previous heart-attacks, heart failure, children with certain cardiac birth defects (blue-baby defects) to mention a few. Pregnant women who have heart ailments may be at a higher risk too. However there is no evidence that the virus can infect implanted heart-devices like pacemakers or defibrillators or that it can directly infect the valves, muscle or the covering of the heart. However it is important to note that the stress on the heart produced by the chemical storm may cause rupture of fatty plaques or blocks inside the arteries of the heart and can cause a heart-attack.
Another point of controversy and debate is regarding two medications used commonly to treat high blood-pressure (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and Angiotensin II receptor blockers) which block ACE-2 and its system through which the virus enters the body. It was of concern that people taking these medications could develop more lung complications with COVID-19. However these observations have no confirmatory scientific evidence and major guideline forming cardiology societies and associations like the American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, and British Cardiac Society have recommended that these drugs should not be stopped, because these are drugs with proven benefits. Stopping cardiac medications without advice from the cardiologist can only lead to complications.
How deadly is COVID-19? Thankfully, majority of the patients recover. The death rate from COVID 19 is estimated to be 1.4% (which for flu is only 0.1%). The fatality increases with increasing age being less than 1% for people less than 50 years 1.3% for 50 to 60 years, 3.6% for 60 – 70 years, 8% for 70 – 80 years and 15% for those above 80 years of age. Also death occurred only in 0.9% of the patients when there was no associated illnesses but it was 6 – 10% when the patients had associated high blood pressure, diabetes and other cardiac conditions. The reason or mechanism as to why patients with high blood pressure have higher death rates is unclear but could mostly be only an apparent association because of the higher prevalence of high blood pressure in elderly age group (> 70 years of age) which had maximum deaths.
Diagnosis of COVID-19: Testing for COVID specifically relies mainly on three tests, the real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) which is the gold-standard for SARS-CoV -2 viral genetic material, the antigen test which detects viral surface proteins (eg: spike protein) and the third being antibody (immunoglobulin) testing. RT-PCR and antigen tests use specimens collected from the respiratory tract secretions of the patient. All the tests are useful in different stages of the infection as their titres are variable with the duration of infection, viral load and severity of symptoms. False positive results can occur with antigen testing and false negative tests can occur if the specimen collection is improper. Therefore a negative test should be repeated in a patient in whom the clinical index of suspicion for COVID is high.
Antibodies are produced by blood cells called lymphocytes, specifically against the virus and the antibodies bind tightly to the virus to inactivate it. Antibody levels start rising with time as the body tries to fight the infection and blood samples are used for detection of these. The immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies are the first to be produced in response to the infection and Ig G starts rising a week to 10 days after onset of infection and remains in the blood even after the patient has recovered and is the one that indicates possible immunity from subsequent infections. But it is too early to say how much immunity would be conferred by Ig G antibodies against COVID-19.
Treatment of COVID-19: Currently, the treatment is mainly supportive like ensuring control of fever, maintaining good hydration and nutrition and it is only when the oxygen content of the blood drops, the blood-pressure drops or the patient gets worse that hospitalization is advocated. Several drugs currently used against the virus are those targeted against the different mechanisms of virus multiplication and the chemical storm. An effective treatment or cure in the form of medications can only be obtained by a detailed understanding of the pathology of the disease obtained from post-mortem studies and a deep understanding of the microbiology of this novel virus, the pathogenesis and immunology of the disease and use of medications directed at every possible step. Until the recent evidence with the drug Remdesivir, there was no definitive success with the use of any specific drugs against the virus. All medications being used were merely on an experimental basis. However, Remdesivir an anti-viral drug which prevents multiplication of the virus in the body has been shown in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial to have clear-cut evidence in hastening the recovery of patients being treated with it. The use of Remdesivir has now been made ‘standard of care’ in the treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Some of the other drugs being used in COVID-19 patients with variable results are those which would prevent virus entry into the cell (chloroquine) or to treat cytokine storm (Tocilizumab). Drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have only been tested outside the human body to show some efficacy and there are no randomized controlled trials to prove its efficacy in humans with certainty. It is important however to remember that some of the drugs have cardiac side effects and can cause electrical abnormalities called ‘torsades de pointes’ which can cause sudden cardiac death and therefore needs electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and should not be taken without consulting a specialist.
Treatment with convalescent plasma is another option being investigated and attempted. It involves the transfusion of plasma obtained from recovered patients, containing high titres of antibodies against SARS Co V- 2, into other patients who have less severe infection or patients who are in early stages of the infection or people who are at high risk of getting COVID, as health-care professionals. The antibodies present will prevent multiplication of the virus in the body and thus prevent lung and other organ damage. However this procedure is not totally risk free to the person receiving the treatment and have a risk of transmitting other infections and causing other immune reactions.
Prevention is better than cure: As of now with no cure in hand, prevention is the key and the steps to prevention are simple and involves avoiding touching the mouth, nose and eyes with unclean hands, washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds or the use of hand-sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. It is also important to keep frequently touched objects clean with disinfectants. Practicing social distancing or maintaining a safe distance of at least two metres from other people whenever possible and keeping away from sick people even if their symptoms are mild and also staying away from crowded areas is vital. Also covering one’s nose and mouth with a cloth or with the inside of the elbow when one sneezes or coughs and using the non-dominant hand to touch objects so that you would not unknowingly use it to touch your mouth nose or eyes are good practices. Wearing the right protective masks in public places is crucial and only masks which are recommended for COVID-19 protection will be protective and have to be used in the right manner and will be useful in public places where the chances of getting infected are high.
If one experiences fever, cough or chest infection it is important to consult a doctor on the phone and follow his instructions and get tested only after taking professional advice as testing centres can be potential areas of high infectivity.
Vaccines and immunity: Vaccines are being researched on fervently but would take a while to be available for human use, after they are tested in animals and proven to be effective and safe. After the first infection, it is speculated that COVID 19 would confer immunity but if mutations and fresh strains occur, they could re-infect, and would need fresh vaccines, information about which is currently unavailable. Herd immunity is a concept where, when a large percentage of the population are infected and recover and get immunity, thereby providing protection in a community, where the chances of non-immune people getting infected are less because the percentage of infected carriers in that community steadily becomes fewer.
Thus, the COVID-19 has taken an erstwhile head-strong and free world unawares, with a chilling shock, sending them into hiding, when an invisible nothing has humbled seemingly invincible powers and the powerful of the world, putting medical researchers and organizations on their toes desperately trying to find a quick resolve, while the front-liners strive tirelessly risking their own lives to save humanity from a rapidly decimating disease. Adding to the cost of life, the economic repercussions would be severe too.
This infliction of unimaginable proportions has also given humanity an opportunity to introspect on the wrongs we have committed, when we abused nature with all our power and glory; has given us a time to introspect on what we did wrong as a world and as individuals when we divided ourselves with borders, languages, colour, religions, caste and what not; when now, standing together singularly as humanity with humaneness seems to be the only way to tide over this catastrophe of unfathomable proportions. Let us change for the better, but then will we be given that chance? Hope and faith is what has always kept the world going and so may God bless us all!
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The European country of Italy has advised its people to stay at their home due to the fear of the coronavirus outbreak, which reached the continent from China – which is situated in the continent of Asia.
In the country of Italy, the total death toll due to the outbreak has crossed the mark of 463. It is the worst hit country in the continent of Europe. And, it is the second worst hit region in the world, after China.
Recently, Italy announced several measures including the measure of travel ban to prevent the spreading of the disease outbreak.
In order to tighten the grip, the country has announced several other measures in addition to the one announced earlier.
Now, people of the country need the special permission of the government to travel outside the country.
Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright
The total death toll due to the coronavirus has crossed around 197 in the European country of Italy. Unfortunately, as many as 49 cases have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours.
The latest development gives serious worry to the European country, which experiences the worst side of the outbreak at this moment.
Italy has strengthened its defensive mechanism against the disease outbreak. Like the European country, many other European countries have adopted similar measures.
The places of public gathering such as religious institutions have been fumigated, as a defensive measure.
In total, not less than 3000 people have died across the world owing to the dangerous disease outbreak.
Unfortunately, the majority of these deaths have happened in the Asian country of China, where the outbreak originated.
Across the world, at least 100000 people have been affected due to the virus outbreak.
The coronavirus outbreak is a global hazard at this juncture. It is high time to formulate a feasible global strategy to contain this disastrous outbreak.
Photo Courtesy: Google/ images are subject to copyright
