Mumbai, Dec 28 (IANS) Doctors attending on Anna Hazare, whose fast entered its second day here Wednesday, have ‘strongly advised’ him to end his hunger strike as it could lead to kidney failure.
‘According to a check-up at 12 noon, Anna is weak. His blood pressure in lying condition is 120/90 and in standing position is 105/70. This means he is dehydrated,’ said Ashwin Mehta, who examined him.
‘His skin is dry and so is his tongue which are clear signs of dehydration. However, his chest and throat are clear. His blood examination shows mild rise in blood urea nitrogen. Sodium and chloride levels are low,’ Mehta said.
‘This may lead to kidney failure and we strongly advise to discontinue fasting as he is in potential danger,’ Mehta added.
‘If he continues fasting, it could harm his body in the long run and he needs salts,’ added the doctor.
Though the 74-year-old Hazare is on medication, his physician D.G. Pote ruled out the need to shift him to a hospital.
Speaking to reporters, Pote said Hazare had lost weight due to his illness and the hunger strike.
Hazare’s weight is now 70.5 kg, a loss of around 1.5 kg in the last five-six days. However, his blood test reports are normal.
‘His temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 102 last (Tuesday) night, pulse rate is 71 now,’ Pote said.
He said that Hazare has been advised rest, to speak less and to refrain from exerting himself.
