Cardiac arrest instances on rise; know frequent causes and life-style adjustments to stop it
Incidence of cardiac arrest is on rise in younger and several other components like defective life-style selections, underlying coronary heart situations, household historical past of a person or atmosphere components like pollution, noise, or excessive warmth – could possibly be behind this surge in fatalities. The latest deaths of Pepperfry CEO Ambareesh Murty (51), Bodyguard director Siddique Ismail (69), and actor Vijay Raghavendra’s spouse Spandana (45) are confirmed or suspected to be attributable to cardiac arrest. (Also learn: Sudden cardiac arrest during sleep: Why people die in sleep and how to prevent this heart condition)
More than ever earlier than, it is vital to focus all our consideration on coronary heart well being and what components could possibly be affecting it. Covid has additionally stated to play a havoc on our coronary heart well being because the virus impacts coagulation of blood or blood clotting. The blood clots can journey to arteries or veins within the coronary heart and manifest right into a coronary heart assault which may result in demise. Covid additionally led to short-term or lasting harm to coronary heart tissue which may additionally have an effect on cardiac well being.
It is vital to take heart-healthy measures to make sure every one among us dwell an extended and disease-free life. A collection of life-style modifications like a wholesome and balanced eating regimen, common train, sleeping effectively and avoiding stress have to be made for enhancing coronary heart well being.
In this text, let’s perceive what cardiac arrest is and the frequent causes behind it. Also, discover required life-style adjustments that may actually be game-changer on your coronary heart as instructed by consultants.
What is a cardiac arrest?
“Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected loss of heart function. It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating effectively. This can lead to death if it is not treated immediately,” says Dr. Srinivasa Prasad B V, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru.
“Heart (or cardiac) diseases are the most common cause of death and disability among adults in India. Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death, and in the majority of cases, it is due to an acute heart attack or dangerous arrhythmia triggered by blockages in the vessels supplying the heart muscle. The buildup of plaque causing these blockages is usually due to risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or the presence of a strong family history of heart disease. Sometimes, acute heart attacks are precipitated by extreme stress on the body in people who have these blockages, which may have been silent until that point,” says Dr Vivek Chaturvedi, HoD, Dept of Adult Cardiology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
Common causes of cardiac arrest
The most typical explanation for cardiac arrest is coronary artery illness (CAD). CAD is a narrowing of the arteries that offer blood to the center. This narrowing can result in a coronary heart assault, which might trigger cardiac arrest, says Dr. Srinivasa Prasad. He additionally explains different frequent causes of cardiac arrest.
Arrhythmias: These are irregular coronary heart rhythms that may result in cardiac arrest. Arrhythmias might be attributable to various components, together with coronary heart illness, electrolyte imbalances, and drug use.
Heart failure: This is a situation during which the center can not pump sufficient blood to satisfy the physique’s wants. Heart failure might be attributable to various components, together with coronary artery illness, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension.
Cardiomyopathy: This is a illness of the center muscle that may weaken the center and make it extra probably to enter cardiac arrest. Cardiomyopathy might be attributable to various components, together with genetic defects, infections, and alcohol abuse.
Congenital coronary heart defects: These are coronary heart defects that persons are born with. They can improve the chance of cardiac arrest, particularly in younger individuals.
Smoking: Smoking damages the center and blood vessels and will increase the chance of cardiac arrest. Both energetic and passive smoking can improve the chance of cardiac arrest.
Alcohol abuse: Heavy alcohol use can harm the center and improve the chance of cardiac arrest.
Possible explanation for Pepperfry CEO’s demise
“The sad demise of My Murthy in Leh suggests that the harsh conditions prevailing at high altitudes with low oxygen may have triggered this event. It is recommended that we follow a heart-healthy lifestyle to avoid or minimize the buildup of plaque. Furthermore, individuals who have such risk factors or known heart disease, as well as those who are sedentary or obese, should undergo a medical check-up before visiting places with harsh and unfavorable conditions,” says Dr Chaturvedi.
Lifestyle adjustments to cut back danger of cardiac arrest
Dr. Srinivasa Prasad suggests measures to handle your coronary heart and keep away from cardiovascular points:
Eat a nutritious diet
This consists of consuming loads of fruits, greens, and complete grains. A nutritious diet might help to regulate blood strain, ldl cholesterol, and blood sugar ranges, all of that are danger components for cardiac arrest.
Exercise frequently
Aim for not less than half-hour of moderate-intensity train most days of the week. Exercise might help to strengthen the center and enhance its operate.
Maintain a wholesome weight
Being chubby or overweight will increase the chance of cardiac arrest. Maintaining a wholesome weight might help to cut back this danger.
Get sufficient sleep
Adults want round 6-8 hours of sleep per evening. Sleep deprivation can improve the chance of cardiac arrest.
Avoid smoking and extreme alcohol use
Smoking and extreme alcohol use are each main danger components for cardiac arrest. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption might help to cut back your danger.
Manage stress
Stress can contribute to coronary heart illness and cardiac arrest. Finding wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation, might help to cut back your danger.
Get common checkups
This is vital for detecting and treating coronary heart illness early. If you may have any danger components for cardiac arrest, you will need to speak to your physician about getting common checkups.
“Such deaths due to cardiac arrest are a stark reminder of the urgency in understanding this alarming trend. Cardiac arrest, a sudden and life-threatening event, is often triggered by a combination of factors. Common culprits include underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and structural abnormalities. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive stress can significantly heighten the risk. To mitigate this growing concern, individuals must prioritize heart health through regular medical check-ups, adopting heart-healthy diets rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and abstaining from smoking,” says Dr Praveen P Sadarmin, Consultant- Cardiology, Narayana Health City, Bangalore.