Browsing by Author "Indrakumar, J."

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    Knowledge of Orthostatic Hypotension among Doctors Working at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka
    (Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2025-03) Silva, S; De, Zoysa W; Ramadasa, U; Indrakumar, J.
    Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is prevalent in older adults as well as in individuals with chronic medical conditions and those taking specific medications. Despite its significance, OH remains underdiagnosed and poorly managed, partly due to limited training and awareness among doctors. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of medical officers regarding OH at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 registered medical officers. Data were collected through a pretested, self?administered questionnaire addressing demographic details, knowledge of OH diagnostic protocols, symptoms, and management strategies. Results: There were 200 medical officers, 22% of whom were consultants. The mean participant age was 48.2 years, with 58% being male. Knowledge of systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes was significantly higher among consultants (63.63% and 79.54%, respectively) (P < 0.01) compared to medical officers (35.25% and 38.46%, respectively) (P < 0.01). However, knowledge of proper OH measurement protocols, including the timing of blood pressure readings, was poor in both groups, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Awareness of common OH symptoms such as dizziness and falls was high, but less common symptoms (e.g. weakness and fatigue) were poorly recognized. Knowledge of pharmacological treatment options was insufficient in both groups. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for enhanced training and education on OH in Sri Lanka, particularly regarding diagnostic protocols, symptom recognition, and management strategies. Incorporating these could bridge the knowledge gap and improve patient outcomes, reducing the risk of falls and associated morbidities in older adults.
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    Physical activity levels of patients prior to acute coronary syndrome – Experience at a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
    (Cardiological Society of India, 2018-05) Matthias, A.T.; de Silva, D.K.N.; Indrakumar, J.; Gunatilake, S.B.
    Objectives Physical inactivity is associated with high cardiovascular risk. The purpose of this study was to study physical activity levels of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methodology A total of 504 patients, from the Professorial Unit of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). IPAQ is a validated questionnaire used internationally to objectively measure physical activity. Both the total volume and the number of sessions of activity are included in the IPAQ. Populations are divided into three levels based on physical activity levels: low, moderate and high activity. Results Out of 504 patients, 128 (25.1%) were highly active, 87 (17.1%) were minimally active and 289 (56.7%) were found be inactive. When considering mets per week 134 (26.3%) spent less than 1000 mets/week. Physical activity levels of men and women were similar (p = 0.06). There was a no significant association between body mass index (BMI) with total IPAQ score (p = 0.11). There was no difference in the physical activity levels of patients presenting with different types of ACS: ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina (UA) (p = 0.36). The activity levels did not affect the severity of ACS assessed by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scores. (NSTEMI/UA p = 0.24, STEMI p = 0.10). Conclusion In Sri Lanka, a majority of patients with ACS were physically inactive. Physical inactivity is one of the remediable major risk factors of ACS and an active life style should be promoted.