Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal, a pioneer of interventional cardiology, has passed away on April 18, 2025, in Chennai, at the age of 77, marking an end to an era in coronary angioplasty and stenting technology. Popularly known as the 'Father of Angioplasty in India,' Dr. Kalarickal transformed heart care, changing the lives of thousands of patients and redefining the face of contemporary interventional cardiology.

Born on January 6, 1948, in Kerala, Dr. Kalarickal's journey to becoming one of the world's most renowned cardiologists was set early in life. After completing his medical studies at Kottayam Medical College, he went on to pursue specialization in cardiology from Chennai but his stint in the United States of America, under the guidance of Dr. Andreas Gruentzig—the man universally accepted as the 'Father of Coronary Angioplasty'—would establish the foundation for his groundbreaking career.

Dr. Kalarickal's return to India in 1985 proved to be turning point. Coronary angioplasty was a new, unexplored area in India at that time, and one that fell behind progress in the U.S. and Europe. Sensing this lacuna, Dr. Kalarickal chose to introduce this revolutionary procedure to India, with a vision of making lifesaving heart procedures reach more people.

First Angioplasty in India

In 1986, Dr. Kalarickal performed the very first angioplasty in India, a process which would subsequently alter the direction of heart treatment in the country. Angioplasty at that time was not a widely known procedure in India, and coronary artery disease was on the rise. During the first year, he had only treated 18 patients. But by 1987, that figure had risen to 150, an unmistakable indicator of both the increasing demand for this life-saving operation and the confidence that patients had in Dr. Kalarickal's skills.

His success in India did not remain confined to its borders, Dr. Kalarickal played a key role in setting up angioplasty centers in various nations in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His relentless efforts to educate and train physicians in these nations helped ensure that this new technique spread like wildfire, eventually saving countless lives and making heart procedures more available worldwide.

Role of Dr. Kalarickal in Expanding Angioplasty Globally

Dr. Kalarickal's role was not just to bring angioplasty to India and the rest of the region. As an innovator, he was a pioneer in bringing new innovations to the world of angioplasty and stenting. One of his greatest feats was becoming the first Indian cardiologist to introduce and practice the application of drug-eluting bio-absorbable stents, which improved the efficacy of angioplasty by a large margin and minimized the threat of re-blockage in coronary arteries.

Having done more than 10,000 angioplasties, Dr. Kalarickal's expertise and commitment to improving heart health were second to none. He also contributed significantly to academia, establishing the National Angioplasty Registry of India, through which data on angioplasty operations could be gathered and analyzed to streamline and enhance practice nationwide. His contributions had an effect on the medical fraternity and made him a mentor to numerous budding cardiologists in India and overseas.

Dr. Kalarickal's success was not limited to the operating room. His leadership positions in major medical societies demonstrate his reputation as a world leader in interventional cardiology. He was president of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology from 1995 to 1997 and then went on to chair the Asian-Pacific Society of Cardiology section of Interventional Cardiology between 1995 and 1999. His presidency in these societies promoted the use of angioplasty and stenting procedures around the world and consolidated the group of cardiologists in Asia.

His work was duly appreciated in many awards and honors. Dr. Kalarickal received the esteemed Padma Shri award in 2000, one of the highest civilian awards in India, for his outstanding work in cardiology. He was also awarded the Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1996 for his notable contributions to medicine, the Doctor of Science Award by Dr. M.G.R. University in 2003, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

While Dr. Kalarickal was well-known for his medical knowledge, he was as much admired for being a mentor. Dr. Sai Satish, who is a senior interventional cardiologist in Chennai, was trained by Dr. Kalarickal and collaborated with him for more than two decades. Talking about his experiences during his mentor's time, Dr. Satish stated, "There will never be another Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal in my life.". He taught me in ways that few people ever managed, and I will miss him every time I enter a cath lab." This is a sentiment shared by many other cardiologists who were fortunate enough to learn from him. His dedication to educating and empowering the future generation of heart doctors has left an invaluable legacy on the specialty of cardiology.

Dr. Kalarickal's contributions have saved thousands of lives, and his legacy will never be lost in the profession of interventional cardiology. His vision, commitment, and pioneering attitude have revolutionized heart disease treatment in India and across the globe. With the advent of angioplasty, he revolutionized the procedure that used to be an extremely invasive and dangerous one and turned it into a routine, life-saving one.

How Angioplasty Saves Your Heart?

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to open up narrowed or blocked coronary arteries due to a buildup of fatty plaques. Plaque buildup in the arteries over time can limit blood supply to the heart, resulting in angina (chest pain) or even heart attacks. Angioplasty is done to relieve these blockages, restore normal blood flow, and prevent heart-related complications. But in what way precisely does angioplasty save the heart?

While undergoing angioplasty, a catheter is inserted into the clogged artery with a balloon at the end. The catheter is advanced through the bloodstream with great caution until it enters the area where the blockage is. Having reached its destination, the balloon is inflated, pushing the plaque against the artery walls, effectively opening up the artery and reinstating blood circulation to the heart. In most instances, a tiny mesh tube known as a stent is also inserted to keep the artery open and prevent it from closing again.

Angioplasty can be carried out in patients with different types of coronary artery disease, such as patients who have experienced heart attacks, those with chronic angina, and those at high risk for cardiac events due to plaque deposition. Angioplasty is commonly carried out on patients who are not ideal candidates for standard open-heart surgery.

Instant Relief and Long-term Advantages

Perhaps the greatest benefit of angioplasty is the relief that it brings promptly to the patient. Post-procedure, patients can notice dramatically decreased symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness, all typical with clogged arteries. The normalization of blood flow tends to keep the heart from working as hard and lowers the risk of heart attacks.

In the long run, angioplasty ensures that the heart is not subjected to further harm by providing it with a sufficient supply of oxygenated blood. This is particularly vital in individuals suffering from coronary artery disease because continuous blood flow is crucial to maintaining heart muscle health. Angioplasty can greatly eliminate the risk of heart failure, heart attack, or stroke by opening up clogged arteries. Also, the procedure has been demonstrated to enhance quality of life in general, since patients are frequently able to resume normal activities following the procedure without the restrictions created by chest pain and other symptoms.

Every second counts in an emergency, and World First Aid Day serves as a timely reminder of the critical role first aid plays in saving lives. Observed annually on the second Saturday of September, this day aims to raise awareness about first aid, encourage training, and empower individuals to respond effectively during crises. In 2025, the day will be observed on September 13th, uniting communities worldwide in their commitment to safety and preparedness.

World First Aid Day 2025 Theme

This year’s theme is “First Aid and Climate Change,” highlighting the need for emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent climate-related disasters. Rising global temperatures, floods, wildfires, and storms are creating new challenges for communities, making first aid knowledge more crucial than ever. The theme underscores that basic first aid is not just for personal emergencies but is essential in building community resilience in a changing world.

Importance of First Aid

First aid can make the difference between life and death in the crucial minutes before professional medical help arrives. Whether it’s cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding, or burns, timely action can significantly improve survival chances and recovery outcomes. Equipping individuals with basic first aid skills fosters a culture of preparedness, at home, in workplaces, and in public spaces.

In addition to preventing complications and reducing injury severity, first aid training empowers people to act confidently in emergencies. From performing CPR to controlling bleeding and handling choking incidents, these life-saving skills can transform bystanders into first responders.

Origin and Historical Relevance

The roots of first aid go back to the 19th century when Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, witnessed the suffering of injured soldiers during the Battle of Solferino. This inspired a humanitarian movement to care for the wounded without discrimination. The term “first aid” was later coined by German surgeon Friedrich von Esmarch in the late 1800s.

World First Aid Day was first observed in 2000 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to promote global first aid education. Today, millions of people participate in awareness events, training workshops, and community demonstrations, spreading the message that first aid is a universal skill everyone should learn.

How to Participate

Individuals can get involved by attending first aid training courses, sharing educational resources on social media, organizing community workshops, or volunteering with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Even downloading a first aid mobile app can be a step toward being prepared.

A Step Toward Safer Communities

World First Aid Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a call to action. By learning first aid, we can build safer, more resilient communities ready to face emergencies, including those amplified by climate change. This September 13th, take the time to learn, teach, and spread awareness. You might just save a life.

While most of the world is experiencing fewer deaths from chronic disease, India is heading in the opposite direction. The Lancet's latest analysis reveals non-communicable disease such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are shortening more lives—particularly among women. The statistics don't simply provide data, they tell a tale of lifestyle changes, unequal healthcare access, and who bears the largest burden.

A recent paper in The Lancet has shed new light on a disconcerting Indian trend: deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing, even as the remainder of the globe experiences improvement. These results indicate a pressing public health threat, with women shouldering the highest burden.

During 2010-2019, the majority of the globe experienced a decline in deaths due to long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Indeed, about 80 percent of nations witnessed a fall, enhancing survival for millions. But India defied this. The research monitored 185 nations and determined that deaths from NCDs went down globally, but India saw a dramatic rise.

For men, the probability of dying from an NCD between birth and age 80 rose from 56 percent in 2001 to nearly 58 percent in 2019. For women, the picture was starker. After a modest decline between 2001 and 2010, mortality rates surged in the following decade. By 2019, the likelihood of an Indian woman dying from an NCD before turning 80 was 48.7 percent, compared to 46.7 percent in 2001.

Why Women Are at Higher Risk?

Whereas men gained advantages in the case of some disease categories like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and cirrhosis of the liver, women did not experience gains in most of these categories. Apart from marginal increases in COPD, cirrhosis, and remaining NCD categories, women's mortality risks deteriorated across the board. This indicates increasing gender inequality in access to healthcare, screening, and treatment.

What Are Non-Communicable Diseases?

NCDs, also referred to as chronic diseases, are chronic conditions that unfold gradually. They consist of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and strokes), cancers, chronic lung diseases such as COPD and asthma, diabetes, and neuropsychiatric diseases. NCDs, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), are responsible for 71 percent of total deaths globally. Remarkably, almost three-quarters of premature NCD deaths—deaths that occur before the age of 70—occur in low- and middle-income nations such as India.

The Alarming Case of Lung Cancer in India

A specific trend in lung cancer was emphasized by the Lancet report. Worldwide, lung cancer death decreased among men in 92 percent of nations. But India, Armenia, Iran, Egypt, and Papua New Guinea followed the opposite trend. This highlights India's peculiar susceptibility to lifestyle influences like excess tobacco use, air pollution, and late diagnosis.

Globally, lower deaths due to cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers led to most of the reduction in NCD mortality. However, this achievement was countered by increasing deaths from dementia, liver and pancreatic cancers, and alcohol use disorders. According to the study, although clinical advances such as improved diabetes and hypertension medication, cancer screening, and better emergency treatment of heart attack saved many countries, not all populations were equally exposed.

Why India Is Trailing Behind from the World?

Various structural issues seem to account for India's deteriorating performance. The report cited that the health data quality from India is "very low," which made it more difficult to monitor, prevent, and treat NCDs properly. Meanwhile, disparities in access to medicines, screenings, and preventive care continue to be widespread.

This was also fueled by the 2008 global recession. Its long shadow cut short health budgets and global health aid. Growing poverty, employment insecurity, and inadequate access to healthy foods also intensified inequalities in health. The poor, as well as vulnerable populations—usually women, the old, and poorer communities—were disproportionately hit.

Risk Factors Fueling NCDs

NCDs are highly interrelated with environmental and lifestyle determinants. They are largely driven by tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. In India, these are added to by urbanization, air pollution, and unequal access to health care. Social determinants of health, where individuals are born, live, and work, further determine their exposure to the risk factors.

Experts say that it will take systemic transformation to turn around India's NCD burden. Majid Ezzati, lead author of the study and professor at Imperial College London, urged huge investments in healthcare infrastructure, along with tobacco and alcohol control campaigns. These interventions, already proved effective elsewhere in the world, could save millions of lives if successfully adopted in India.

The Lancet report gives a straightforward message: while large parts of the world are set to limit premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, India is in danger of being left behind. Women are especially hit with overly high risks that reflect underlying social and health inequalities.

It will take a two-pronged response—better short-term access to NCD treatments and addressing upstream determinants such as tobacco smoking, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. It also calls for improved monitoring and improved healthcare systems to ensure all groups of people enjoy the benefits.

Three scientists whose groundbreaking work redefined the future of cystic fibrosis (CF) care have been awarded one of the world’s most prestigious honors in medicine: the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award. Often referred to as the “American Nobel,” the award recognizes contributions that radically improve human health. This year, it went to Dr. Michael Welsh of the University of Iowa, Paul Negulescu of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Jesús (Tito) González, now of Integro Theranostics.

Together, their decades of research led to the creation of Trikafta, a therapy that has extended the lifespan of cystic fibrosis patients by decades and fundamentally reshaped what it means to live with the disease.

When cystic fibrosis was first described in the 1930s, it was considered a fatal childhood condition. Patients rarely survived past elementary school. Even as late as the 2010s, before Trikafta’s approval in 2019, half of patients with CF died before the age of 40.

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Today, the outlook is dramatically different. Children born with CF between 2020 and 2024 who have access to Trikafta now face a median survival age of 65 years — nearly indistinguishable from the general population.

As Dr. Eric Sorscher of Emory University explained in The New England Journal of Medicine, “Available projections suggest that health and longevity may increase further as modulators begin to be administered at younger ages.”

This shift marks one of the most profound turnarounds in modern medicine.

The Role of the CFTR Gene

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a single gene: CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). The gene is critical for regulating the movement of ions across cell membranes, which in turn ensures proper water balance in tissues.

In healthy cells, CFTR forms channels that allow ions to flow freely. But in CF, the mutated gene produces faulty channels. The result is thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and digestive system, fuels recurrent infections, and damages organs over time.

Dr. Michael Welsh, a pulmonologist and molecular biologist, helped illuminate the exact ways the most common CF mutation, delta-F508, disrupts cell function. He discovered two problems: the defective protein often gets “trapped” inside cells before reaching the surface, and even when it does reach the surface, it underperforms.

In a pivotal experiment, Welsh showed that simply lowering the temperature of cells allowed the trapped protein to move correctly. “That meant it was not totally broken,” he later recalled — a crucial realization that opened the door to correcting the defect.

Meanwhile, as a postdoctoral researcher in Nobel laureate Roger Tsien’s lab, Jesús (Tito) González developed a real-time system to track ion movement across membranes. Initially designed to study neurons, this tool proved invaluable for testing whether new drugs could restore CFTR function.

Negulescu and the Push to Find a Therapy

At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Paul Negulescu helped drive the systematic search for compounds that could repair CFTR defects. Guided by Welsh’s molecular insights and González’s imaging system, the team screened thousands of molecules. The result was Trikafta, a triple-drug therapy that addressed the underlying cause of CF for most patients.

'Trikafta' Of Game-Changer in CF Treatment

Approved by the FDA in 2019, Trikafta combines three drugs — elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor — that work synergistically to help defective CFTR proteins fold correctly, reach the cell surface, and function effectively. The impact has been extraordinary. Since its introduction:

• Hospitalizations for lung infections have plummeted.
• The need for lung transplants has declined.
• Patients report stronger lung function, weight gain, and dramatically improved quality of life.
• For many families, the treatment has meant that milestones once unimaginable — graduating college, starting families, living into retirement — are now within reach.

Recognition at the “American Nobels”

The Lasker Awards, founded in 1945, celebrate biomedical achievements that shape the future of health. They are considered one of the highest honors in science, often predicting future Nobel Prizes.

The recognition of Welsh, González, and Negulescu underscores the profound impact of their work. The $250,000 prize, while symbolic compared to the billions Trikafta has generated, highlights the ethical and humanitarian dimension of their achievement: turning a once uniformly fatal disease into a chronic, manageable condition.

What CF Treatment Means for Medicine?

The CF breakthrough is not just about one disease. It represents a paradigm shift in genetic medicine. By targeting the root molecular defect rather than simply managing symptoms, Trikafta has become a model for other genetic conditions, from sickle cell disease to rare metabolic disorders.

It also illustrates the power of partnerships between academic researchers, biotech innovators, and patient foundations. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s early investments in research were critical to advancing the work that ultimately led to Trikafta’s approval.

While Trikafta has transformed care in wealthy countries, challenges remain. The therapy is expensive — with an annual price tag of over $300,000 in the U.S. — putting it out of reach for many patients globally.

Furthermore, a subset of CF patients with rare genetic mutations still do not benefit from the drug, leaving an urgent need for alternative therapies. And as with all long-term treatments, researchers must continue monitoring for side effects and resistance.

Roughly 100,000 people worldwide live with cystic fibrosis. For decades, their lives were defined by daily medical regimens, frequent hospitalizations, and shortened lifespans. Today, thanks to the pioneering work of Welsh, González, and Negulescu, those same patients are looking toward futures filled with possibility.