Context: 

• There have been reports of an unusual increase in sudden cardiac deaths in apparently healthy individuals who had a history of COVID-19. However, currently, there is insufficient evidence to definitively establish the exact cause of these unexpected fatalities.

More About the news: 

• In order to ascertain the facts  of rising cases of cardiac arrest after COVID-19, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting studies.
• In order to address the health issues related to cardiovascular disease, the Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the states and Union Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP NCD) and Cardiovascular Disease is an integral part of NP NCD.

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPNCD):

• Non-Communicable Disease(NCDs): In India, NCDs like Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Diabetes are estimated to account for around 60% of all deaths.
• National Health Mission(NHM): The Government of India has been implementing the above stated programme to deal with NCDs since 2010  under NHM. 
• Focus Areas: NPCDCS has a focus on awareness generation for behavior and life-style changes, screening and early diagnosis of persons with high level of risk factors and their referral to appropriate treatment facilities i.e. Community Health Centres and District Hospital for management of non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases.

News Source: TOI

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