An unfortunate event has happened to Mandira Bedi, on Wednesday. That is her husband Raj Kaushal’s demise due to cardiac arrest, at the age of 49.
In very recent times, a Danish soccer player Christian Eriksen, who is 29-year-old, has fallen down on the ground during the match with Finland at the UEFA Euro 2020 championship. Before rushing to the hospital, the medical team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the ground. Later, it is confirmed that he has suffered from cardiac arrest.
Through the above events, we can understand that age group is not a consideration for cardiac arrest. We have to be aware of the cardiac arrest’s warning signs and have to be able to respond accurately.
Emergency symptoms to watch out
A cardiac attack is one of the life-threatening heart conditions if we have not acted on time. When the heartbeat stops suddenly then a cardiac attack happens. Electrical impulses control our heartbeat. If those impulses have changed pattern then the heartbeat becomes irregular. That leads to the arrhythmia state. The beating of the heart stops whenever the cardiac arrest happens.
Persons might experience different symptoms when they have a cardiac arrest. As per Dr. Ameya Udyavar, who is Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, one must have to know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest. He says, “Whenever the heartbeat is fast or slow and functioning of pumping is stopped then cardiac arrest happens and this is the serious condition. When the blood supply shortage happens then heart attack happens.” Additionally, he said two major warning signs of cardiac arrest. Those are continuous chest pain and episodes of unconsciousness.
He is also warning the persons who are facing chest pain repeatedly. In that case, ECG has to done immediately. If any blockage is found then the opening of the blockage will be done through angiography.
Reasons for Cardiac arrest to the young and fit persons
Referring to the recent Danish footballer incident, Dr. Udyavar said that if a young and fit person becomes unconscious and suffered from a cardiac arrest then that is a common genetic disorder indication. That person might be having a gene defect that is causing an electrical abnormality in the heart, which prone to have a cardiac attack.
Athletes who are playing a lot have an enlarged heart. That is called an athlete’s heart. Such persons may have heartbeats issues where the heartbeat goes up, suddenly. Especially, in the case of aerobic games, cardiac problem evaluation happens where the cardiologist checks their ECG. The doctor is suggesting all professional athletes have to undergo ECG and Echo tests so that cardiac arrest risks will not increase.
Prevention of Cardiac Arrest possibility in the long run
If you are wishing to avoid the chances of getting a cardiac arrest, you have to be fit and healthy. Take the proper diet having nutritious, less oil, low amount of cholesterol and carbohydrates. Avoiding sugar-containing foods and drinks is good. Physical activity is also so much important. It makes your body fit and avoids physical illness.
If you are having the habits of smoking and drinking then change your lifestyle. The heart complications increase with the consumption of alcohol and smoking the cigarette. In addition to all the above, stay in contact with the doctor and have regular tests. So that, you will know about heart health.
How to respond in the case of cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest may happen suddenly. It is lead by many symptoms that call for different responses. If you have seen anyone unconscious or collapsing, without pulse and breathing signs then follow the below steps without late.
Step 1: Call the medical emergency numbers (In India: 112, 108, 102)
Step 2: Perform CPR
Step 3: If available, utilize the portable defibrillator. It gives to step-by-step guide through the voice mechanism. A charged defibrillator checks the heart’s rhythm and tells if the shock is required or not.
Continue the CPR performing, until the medical help team arrival.
How to perform CPR
The detailed step-by-step process about the CPR performance is here
- Do 30 chest compressions. Place both hands on the breastbone of the person.
- In the center of the chest, push hard and fastly
- The press rate should be 100 times per a minute
- Between the compressions, the chest should rise completely
In India, around 30-35 million people are suffering due to heart attacks. The urban lifestyle is making the people overwork and hence they are neglecting the mind and body. Finally, this is leading to a stressful life. Overworking, unhealthy food habits, drinking, and smoking are the reasons for cardiac arrests increase.
