Bahrain: The family of a 14-year-old Indian girl who died of a cardiac arrest yesterday says it is in a state of “shock”.
Relatives of Amala Reji, a grade 10 student at the Indian School Bahrain, said they were devastated by her death at such a young age.
“She was a healthy child, with no issues,” said her aunt Kunjumol Alexander.
“We do not know what happened and we are all shocked.”
Amala was reportedly working out on a treadmill at her home in Riffa when she started vomiting.
She was taken to a private hospital in Riffa where she was administered intravenous fluid for low blood pressure and sent home.
However, within two hours she collapsed and was taken to the same hospital which referred her to the BDF Hospital.
Amala was pronounced dead at the hospital’s ICU at 12.30am with a report saying she had died of pulmonary embolism (a blockage of an artery in the lungs).
“Amala was very excited about her new school term which is starting soon,” said her aunt.
“She vomited while walking on a treadmill and at the hospital they said her blood pressure was low.
“She was given IV fluid and sent back home where she collapsed within two hours. She had no pulse, so a neighbour gave her a cardiac massage.
“The same process at the hospital revived her and they took her to BDF hospital where she was moved into the intensive care unit and later put on a ventilator, where she died.”
Amala is survived by parents Rejimon George, an employee of Ahmed Mansoor Al A’ali and Company, and Jessy, and older brother Christin Reji, 17, also an Indian School student.
The body is kept at Salmaniya Medical Complex morgue and is expected to be flown back home to Idukki, Kerala, soon.
Meanwhile, doctors yesterday urged parents to ensure their children do not overexert themselves in their efforts to keep fit.
“The growing years can be demanding psychologically and physically but all children need to do is eat healthy and sleep well and engage in regular exercises like sport and games,” Al Hilal Hospital chief executive Dr Sai Giridhar told the GDN.
“The case needs a thorough probe because it is unusual for a 14-year-old to die of a cardiac arrest,” he said.
“I do not recommend a treadmill workout for this age and especially females. It is a time when the body goes through hormonal and metabolic changes, which could put a strain on the body.
“It is not an ideal time for exertion, especially on a treadmill and at this age. All they need is regular exercise like walking, games and sport.
“Parents must also not put pressure on their children’s fitness, especially girls.
“We also see a tendency among girls to starve to reduce weight, which is equally harmful. A good diet is more important than eating unhealthy and then trying to lose weight.”
BDF cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Dr Habeeb Al Tareef recommended moderation in any exercise.
“Exercise under medical guidance for a person with family history of cardiac condition is advised. Otherwise, any exercise or workout must be done in moderation,” he said.
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