While cardiac arrest was once considered a health risk that affects older people, the rising cases of sudden cardiac arrest in younger people are causing concern. The cardiac arrest that affects the comparatively young population and causes sudden death is known as sudden cardiac death/ sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). It is more common in men as compared to women of the age group ranging from 30 to 40s. Experts point to a sedentary lifestyle, use of alcohol, substance abuse, smoking, vaping, unhealthy diet, genetic predisposition, stress, and anxiety as the probable reasons that increase one’s risk of getting a cardiac arrest.
Trending today, cardiac arrest in athletes
Cardiac arrest deaths in young people (under 35) are extremely rare. Less than 300 per year in a population.
There as been no statistically significant change in card arrest deaths under 35, ever. pic.twitter.com/sG9eHFhuhM
— Truth In Numbers (@Truth_in_Number) July 25, 2023Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
The two terms though used interchangeably, are actually different medical conditions. The former happens when the heart suddenly stops functioning due to rapid, abnormal impulses overriding the heart’s natural rhythm. This is an electrical disturbance where the heart stops beating or beats so fast and stops pumping blood altogether. As cardiac arrest occurs suddenly without any manifest symptoms and leads to the collapse of the individual, therefore it is also called Sudden Cardiac Arrest. On the other hand, heart attack refers to the blockage in the coronary arteries, which hinders blood flow to the heart.
Factors contributing to the rising cases
Genetic Factors are also known to aggravate the chances of young people experiencing cardiac arrest. Again, a history of a long QT syndrome or Meretoja syndrome increases the risk of getting cardiac arrest. Not just QT syndrome but people with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are more susceptible to encounter cardiac arrest. Cardiomyopathy, which is a group of disorders that affect the heart muscle, can result in cardiac arrest in the long run. Individuals with a family history of cardiomyopathy are particularly vulnerable.
Sedentary lifestyles due to long working hours, unhealthy diets, overconsumption of junk food, and increased stress levels are common among younger generations. These factors also contribute to the deterioration of heart health. Also, substance abuse, alcoholism, vaping, and smoking aggravate one’s risk. In addition to that, environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to high levels of toxins are certain exacerbating factors that contribute to heart health issues.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
It does not develop long-term symptoms as it is characterized by the sudden halting of the heart’s function. However, the person who experienced cardiac arrest shows loss of consciousness or fainting, heart palpitations, dizziness, light-headedness, and weakness. Individuals who experience cardiac arrest become unresponsive as their bodies collapse all of a sudden as the oxygen supply is stopped.
Immediate Treatment
As it is becoming more than common, people should be made aware of the immediate treatment and relief measures available to them. As the heart stops pumping blood, the oxygen supply to the organs is immediately cut off, putting the person at death risk. The people around the patient must not panic and initiate hands-only Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as immediate treatment. CPR is one such emergency procedure that saves lives when someone’s breathing or heart has stopped. It is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing to help get oxygen-rich blood to the brain and restart breathing.
Similarly, defibrillation is another life-saving procedure that relies on an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm when a person is experiencing an abnormal heart rhythm. Defibrillation is achieved either by placing a pair of manual paddles on the chest or through the use of adhesive “hands-free” pads to restore someone facing a potentially fatal arrhythmia.
Ways in which risk can be minimized
Although cardiac arrest is sudden, the risk can be minimised if not prevented altogether. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise complemented by a balanced diet helps in reducing the risk. Stress management through journaling and mood tracking are effective ways. In addition to that, meditation and yoga are beneficial as well. Also, being under regular check-ups and regular treatment for underlying health conditions are other effective means to check the risk factors. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are other ways that can help in overall maintain good health.
Is there any link between COVID-19 vaccinations and the increased rate of cardiac arrest?
Often, people wrongly attribute COVID-19 vaccinations as the cause of the prevalent rise in cardiac arrest among younger generations. There are certain unverified misleading theories going around on the internet that justify the link between COVID-19 vaccinations and sudden cardiac arrest. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the link between rising cases of cardiac arrest and the side effects of vaccinations.
Given that, however, it cannot be denied that pre-exposure to Covid infections increases one’s chance of cardiac arrest as the treatment that relied on excessive use of steroids during the infection adversely affected our bodies. Overuse of steroids elevates blood sugar levels even in people without diabetes. This increased blood sugar level is often attributed to an increased risk of heart complications.
Additionally, steroids cause the body to retain fluid, and this fluid retention leads to increased blood pressure and consequently strains the heart. Moreover, steroids disrupt the electrolyte balance in the body and affect heart function adversely. Again, long-term use of steroids is linked to the weakening of the heart muscle, thereby making it more vulnerable to heart problems. Besides, steroids’ interaction with other medications, especially those used for heart conditions, has the potential to increase the risk of side effects.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack?
While both terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different medical conditions. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning due to abnormal electrical impulses. Heart attack, on the other hand, results from a blockage in the coronary arteries, which reduces blood flow to the heart.
2. Why are younger people experiencing cardiac arrest more frequently?
Several factors contribute to the rise in cardiac arrest among younger individuals, including
sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, substance abuse, smoking, and excessive stress. Other factors include genetic predisposition such as long QT syndrome or cardiomyopathy, can increase the risk. Exposure to pollution and harmful toxins also contribute to heart health issues to some extent.
3. What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly without warning, but individuals who had a cardiac arrest often experience loss of consciousness or fainting, heart palpitations, dizziness or lightheadedness and weakness.
4. What is the immediate treatment for cardiac arrest?
Immediate treatment for cardiac arrest involves Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain blood flow to the brain and defibrillation that uses electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
5. Is there a link between COVID-19 vaccinations and increased cardiac arrest rates?
There is no scientific evidence to support a link between COVID-19 vaccinations and increased cardiac arrest rates. Misleading theories circulating online are unfounded. However, it cannot be denied that pre-exposure to Covid infections increases one’s chance of cardiac arrest as the treatment that relied on excessive use of steroids during the infection adversely affected our bodies.
6. How can risk of cardiac arrest be minimized?
To reduce your risk of cardiac arrest, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet and stress management are important. Moreover, avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and regular check-ups help to minimize the risk.
