Jayalalithaa suffers cardiac arrest, under observation: Apollo Hospitals (Third Lead)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening and is being treated by a team of specialists at Apollo Hospitals, the hospital said.

"She is on extracorporeal membrane heart assist device and is being treated by a team of expert doctors and critical care specialists," the hospital said in a tweet.

Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao, who has additional charge of the state, returned from Mumbai and was visited the hospital to enquire about her condition.

The evening saw hectic activity at Apollo Hospitals with state ministers, senior officials and others assembling there, even as a huge crowd of AIADMK cadre gathered, many of whom broke down on hearing about the news while others were fervently praying for her well-being.

Leaders across the country extended their best wishes to the 68-year-old AIADMK supremo, who has been in hospital since late Spetember.

President Pranab Mukherjee wished Jayalalithaa a speedy recovery.

"Distressed to hear about CM Jayalalithaa suffering a cardiac arrest, my prayers for her speedy recovery," said a post on the President's official account.

"Wishing #jayalalithaa Hon CM of TN a speedy recovery, Let her be healthy soon," tweeted Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern over the health of her Tamil Nadu counterpart, and wished her a speedy recovery.

"Like my friends in Tamil Nadu, I am praying for her speedy recovery. May God bless her," tweeted Banerjee.

"Got to know about Tamil Nadu CM #Jayalalithaa ji's health. Maharashtra prays for her speedy recovery!" posted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad tweeted: "Totally worried about the health of #Jayalalithaa Ji. Wishing and Praying for speedy recovery. Let's all pray for her."

Thousands of other Twitter users also prayed for her health.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital for treatment of fever and dehydration on September 22. The doctors later said she needed a longer hospital stay as she was suffering from infection, and put her on respiratory support.

According to Apollo Hospitals, a team of specialist doctors -- cardiologists, respiratory physicians, consultants for infectious diseases, diabetologist and endocrinologist -- treated her.

Recently Apollo Hospitals Chairman Pratap C. Reddy told media that Jayalalithaa is returning to normalcy and all her vital organs are functioning well.

She was shifted out of Intensive Care Unit as there were no health complications, he had said.

Reddy also said Jayalalithaa can go home whenever she decides to do so.

--IANS

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