An SCA occurs when the heart stops due to an irregular rhythm, while a heart attack occurs due to a blockage in the arteries. Mirchandani’s death highlights the importance of heart health awareness, especially for the young, and the need for regular check-ups and a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Kumar Kenchappa, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Hebel, Bangalore, shares his insights on sudden cardiac arrest, its causes, prevention and more.
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency that often results in an unexpected decline in heart function due to an abnormal heart rhythm, shares Dr. Kumar Kenchappa.
Elaborating further, the doctor says, “The heart has a powerful electrical system that regulates the heart’s normal rhythmic beating. During SCA, this rhythmic function is significantly disrupted, leading to The heart’s pumping activity stops and blood flow to the brain, organs, and other tissues is impaired.”
SCA typically presents as sudden collapse or loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, a weak or absent pulse, and pale or bluish skin.
Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Major causes of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) include both known and unknown heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, a history of heart attack, heart muscle abnormalities, problems with the heart’s electrical system, heart failure, Heart valve diseases, and some congenital heart conditions, Dr. Kumar Kenchappa shares.
“These are cardiac factors, several non-cardiac causes of SCA have been identified. These include lung conditions such as pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the arteries of the lungs), drowning, electrocution, severe trauma,” Dr. , substance abuse (such as cocaine, heroin, or meth), severe electrolyte imbalance, intracranial bleeding, and sepsis.”
Effects of sudden cardiac arrest
In recent years, stress has emerged as a major factor in the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), especially among young adults, says Dr. Kumar Kenchappa.
The fast-paced nature of modern life exposes them to a variety of stressors, including work pressure, academic expectations, social challenges, financial struggles, and relationship problems.
Elaborating further, the doctor says, “When combined with a sedentary lifestyle, these factors can severely affect people with pre-existing heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, and their risk of SCA. Chronic stress can also lead to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure (hypertension), inflammation, and high cholesterol levels.”
Over time, Dr. Canchapa explains, these problems can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart problems and possibly lead to sudden cardiac arrest. are
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Prevention Tips
To reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), it is important to prioritize regular heart health checkups, including ECG and CT-coronary angiograms to detect coronary artery disease (CAD). “Monitoring conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is also very important,” emphasizes Dr. Kenchappa.
Further, the doctor says, “Adopting a healthy lifestyle plays a key role in prevention. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress.” involves practicing effective techniques of These measures are important to reduce the risk of SCA.