Anna in ‘danger zone’, may need to be hospitalized in 24-48 hours

Docs Fear Fast May Affect BP, Kidney & HeartNew Delhi: Anna Hazare's health became a serious cause of concern on Monday as his fast entered the seventh day, adding to the worries of the Manmohan Singh government which seems to be groping to find a solution to the standoff over the Lokpal bill. 

    Doctors said the Gandhian was in the "danger zone" and may require urgent hospitalization in the next 24 to 48 hours. Hazare, who used to address the gathering at the Ramlila Maidan twice every day until Sunday, did not speak even once on Monday. He spent most of the time lying down while thousands stepped out to reach the maidan in support of his agitation. Hazare's weight is down to 67 kg from 72 kg—he has lost five kg in seven days-—his blood pressure is 130/80 and pulse rate 90, according to the health bulletin issued by his doctors. 
    The longest he has fasted until now is for 12 days. Anna brigade takes fight to netas' door A nswering Anna Hazare's clarion call, people all over the country are assembling outside homes or offices of their elected MPs to show support for the anti-corruption movement. In Mumbai, while Priya Dutt said she favoured some provisions of the Jan Lokpal like bringing the judiciary under its ambit, Sanjay Nirupam showed his solidarity with Team Anna by wearing a Gandhi topi. P 2 & 11 Muslim clerics slam Imam Bukhari's call There are few takers for Syed Ahmed Bukhari's 
call to Muslims to shun Anna's anti-corruption movement. In Delhi, the All India Ulema Council described the Jama Masjid chief cleric's appeal as his "personal view'' and said corruption affects the weaker sections, including Muslims, the most. In Mumbai, Muslim NGOs and clerics described Bukhari's statement as divisive. P 2 At Maidan, 80,000 celebrate carnival against corruption The 80,000-strong crowd turned the seventh day of Anna Hazare's fast at the Ramlila Maidan into a carnival against corruption. They waved the tricolour, sang patriotic songs and turned a muggy day into a celebration of a vibrant democracy. In fact, police sources at the ground put the figure at more than a lakh. While a group from Lucknow rendered its latest YouTube hit, actor Kabir Bedi, flute player Ronu Majumdar and singer Kailash Kher sent the crowd into a tizzy. P 11 Anna discontinues yoga, advised to speak less 
New Delhi: Cardiologist Dr Naresh Trehan, who is leading the team monitoring Anna Hazare's health, on Monday said, "His condition is not life-threatening is what I can say." But there is a rise in ketone levels — the presence of certain acids and acetone in blood and urine — which means the body is breaking down stored fat instead of the usual glucose. 
    Dr Anoop Misra of Fortis Hospital told TOI, "The patient has already entered the danger zone. He will need medical attention within the next 24-48 hours. The fast may affect the heart, kidney and blood pressure depending on how fast Anna's ketone level rises." 
    While Hazare does not yet require hospitalization, his failing health complicates the Centre's political risk as any mishap will prove catastrophic for the Manmohan Singh government. But removing the fasting leader for forced-feeding from the Ramlila Maidan or administering drips there is a fraught job, not the least because of the 24x7 media coverage of the protest. Increased ketone levels are caused by fasting or starvation when the body is deprived of carbohydrates. Persistent high levels after a prolonged hunger strike can harm kidney function. Despite increased water intake, the 74-year-old Gandhian's health condition is deteriorating and he is very weak. He has discontinued morning yoga and has been advised to speak less. 
    Sources said if Hazare's condition was not rectified, he might need to be hospitalized soon to administer insulin intravenously. Hazare has earlier declared that if the government tries to force-feed him or admit him to a hospital against his wishes, he would give up water intake as well. 
One-hour toilette before stage routine 
New Delhi: He's the public face of a mass campaign, but few know that at heart, Anna Hazare is a private man. Every day, after the curtain comes down at Ramlila Maidan around 10pm, Anna retires to a makeshift room backstage, where he remains away from public eye for at least 11 hours. Back in Ralegan Siddhi, his reclusive nature is well-known. His confidants say Anna uses this time to rest and focus his thoughts. He devotes two hours every morning to writing. But before that, he, surprisingly, spends the better part of an hour on his toilette, says a Tihar jail official. "Anna is very particular about getting ready... Given his army background, he wants a spic-and-span dhoti in the morning, and even shaving is a must." How does he reconcile his nature with his very public role? "He likes privacy but is aware of his immense popularity and is humbled by it," an aide said. TNN 
How long can Anna fast? 
High ketone level is dangerous. Ketones are acidic compounds produced when the body burns fat or energy. It can cause complications in functioning of kidney and heart and in brain consciousness. Doctors say Anna might require immediate hospitalization if ketone level keeps rising 
During fast, body gets energy from | Stored glycogen in liver, protein in body tissues, stored fat 
Effects on hormonal system | Insulin levels drop as body ceases to ingest carbohydrates 
Risks associated with fasting | Prolonged fast can cause renal and heart failure