New Delhi: Sudden cardiac arrest has been on the rise across the world, including India. The cases are being reported more after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Lancet’s report, the renowned international journal formed a Commission on Sudden Cardiac Death, in which the researchers found that the survival rate remains lower than 10 per cent in most parts of the world. In India, about 5-6 lakh people die each year due to sudden cardiac arrest death mostly among the age group of 50 years. Some of the most common reasons behind the rise in cases are poor lifestyle, eating and drinking habits and genetics.
Dr Rockey Katheria shared with News9, “Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an emergency cardiac condition where there is a sudden and unexpected stopping of heart functions. An individual experiencing SCA typically might undergo syncope and lose consciousness. SCA can be fatal in the absence of immediate CPR administration or the use of automatic defibrillators within minutes of the episode. SCA is generally rare in young adults. However, in recent times there has been a rise in cases of SCA in young adults highlighting the need to understand its causes, warning signs, and preventative measures.”
Understanding the causes of SCA in young adults
The exact causes for SCA are undetermined, but a few causes that have been identified include:
• Cardiomyopathy or the conditions affecting the heart musculature.
• Abnormalities of coronary artery causing decreased blood supply to heart muscle during exercise
• Certain cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
• Myocarditis or inflammation of the walls of the heart due to infections
• Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome
• Commotio Cordis or a sudden blow to the chest directly over the heart during specific points of the cardiac cycle. This condition is more common in sports.
Apart from the above-mentioned causes, there are certain risk factors that may make an individual susceptible to SCA and hence need prompt medical testing. These include:
• Family history of sudden cardiac death or sudden death due to unexplained causes in an otherwise healthy adult under the age of 50 years
• Family history of cardiomyopathies or abnormal heart conduction
• Chest pain on exertion
• History of cardiac arrhythmias
• History of syncope or fainting during exercises
• Congenital heart defects
Warning signs of a sudden cardiac arrest
• In seemingly healthy young people without any obvious injury or medical reasons, SCA may occur without any obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, the individuals may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or syncope (fainting).
Ways to Prevent SCA
• Undergoing regular health check-ups including cardiac tests such as ECG, ECHO, and TMT can give you vital information about your basic heart health and help take timely precautions.
• In individuals with identified risk factors, cardiologists will initiate appropriate treatment such as medications, placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or angioplasty in case of any blockages.
• Lifestyle modification to lower the risk factors such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes to prevent cardiovascular diseases
• Emergency preparedness by learning life-saving emergency response procedures such as CPR and usage of automated defibrillators.
SCA is generally rare in young adults. However, according to experts, in recent times there has been a rise in cases of SCA in young adults highlighting the need to understand its causes, warning signs, and preventative measures. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
