namma walk – Chennaionline

In a moving celebration of both health and independence, hundreds of cardiac patients who had fully recovered after life-saving interventions at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani walked hand-in-hand with their treating cardiologists at Anna Nagar Tower Park on 15th August, 2025, Independence Day. The “Namma Heart Walk” was flagged off by Thiru M.K. Mohan, MLA – Anna Nagar Constituency and celebrated Indian Contemporary Artist Trotsky Marudu and joined by senior cardiologists and cardiac surgeons, Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Prof. Dr. P. Manokar, Clinical Lead – Interventional Cardiology and Dr. C. Sundar, Clinical Lead – Structural Cardiology. As part of the celebrations, the chief guest, Thiru M.K. Mohan, also inaugurated a public Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit at Anna Nagar Tower Park. This life saving device will be accessible to the public during emergencies, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to community safety and preparedness in tackling sudden cardiac arrests. For the walkers, once battling life-threatening heart conditions, this event was more than symbolic, it was living proof that with timely diagnosis, advanced treatment, and lifestyle changes, life after a major cardiac event can be active, healthy, and fulfilling. Why this matters – The science in numbers • 17.9 million people die from heart disease globally every year, yet up to 80% of these deaths are preventable with lifestyle changes. • In India, 1 in 4 deaths is due to heart disease. • Golden Hour Saves Lives: Patients receiving primary angioplasty within 90 minutes have up to 95% survival and full recovery rates. • Minimally invasive procedures like TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) allow patients to walk home in 2 - 3 days and resume normal life within weeks. “Cardiac surgery is often seen as a last resort, but for many patients, it’s the turning point that gives them a second life. Standing here today with patients who have gone through complex bypasses and valve surgeries - walking, smiling, and living fully is the best outcome we can hope for as surgeons,” said Dr. Anbarasu Mohanraj, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery. “Heart disease is no longer a life sentence of restrictions. With advanced procedures like TAVR and minimally invasive structural heart interventions, patients can resume normal activities within days to weeks. In India, early detection and immediate treatment can reduce heart failure risk by over 60%,” said Dr. C. Sundar, Clinical Lead – Structural Cardiology. “Every minute counts in heart attacks. Our data shows that patients who undergo primary angioplasty within the golden hour have a 95% survival rate and return to normal life without major limitations. Today’s walk proves that with rapid, expert care, heart health can be restored,” added Prof. Dr. P. Manokar, Clinical Lead – Interventional Cardiology. “Prevention is the first line of defence against heart disease. Regular health check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco can prevent more than 80% of premature heart attacks. This event inspires the community to value health and take proactive steps to protect the heart,” said Thiru M.K. Mohan, MLA – Anna Nagar Constituency. Adding his artistic insight at the flag-off, Trotsky Marudu remarked, “Art, like medicine, tells stories of survival and renewal. Seeing these survivors walk again is a living canvas, lines of courage, resilience and life drawn in motion.” “At Kauvery Hospital, we believe every cardiac emergency deserves immediate, high-quality care. Our 24x7 heart team is equipped for fast-response primary angioplasty, advanced structural heart procedures, and complex cardiac surgeries - all delivered at affordable costs. We are proud to see our patients today not as survivors, but as thriving individuals living life to the fullest,” said Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director – Kauvery Group of Hospitals. This Independence Day, Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani and its cardiac champions delivered a clear message: freedom from heart disease is possible with awareness, timely medical care, and the right lifestyle choices especially walking and diet. The event was not just a walk, but a testament to medical excellence, patient resilience, and the hospital’s commitment to ensuring every heartbeat gets a second chance.