INTRODUCTION : Chest pain is a common reason for primary care visits. About 4%–7% of chest pain cases are due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Timely identification and management of suspected ACS in primary care should include determining the need for referral. The Tamil Nadu government has initiated the 'Idhayam Kaapom Thittam' program to prevent sudden cardiac arrest deaths. Patients showing symptoms of acute coronary syndrome at primary health centers will receive ECG services, emergency cardiac drugs – Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Atorvastatin, and referrals to secondary/ tertiary care facilities.
OBJECTIVE : To understand the health profile of the beneficiaries under Idhayam Kaapom Thittam and their status of comorbid conditions based on State data collected from June 2023 to May 2024.
METHODOLOGY : A descriptive study was done based on the secondary data analysis of the beneficiaries of the ‘Idhayam Kaapom Thittam’ Programme available in the State Data for the period from June 2023 to May 2024 across all districts of Tamil Nadu.
RESULTS : Out of a total of 6090 beneficiaries under this scheme who were provided with cardiac medication, 6011 are still alive and are under follow-up, while 79 have died.
CONCLUSION : Given the increase in non-communicable diseases and cardiac-related deaths, this program serves as a model initiative aimed at addressing the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiac illness, as well as improving the quality of life for every individual in Tamil Nadu.