This post sheds light on some factors contributing to the growing number of cardiac arrest cases in India. It also emphasises the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle and provides some tips to prevent cardiac arrest. These valuable insights are shared by Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned Best Cardiac Surgeon in Delhi, who practises at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital."
Causative Factors of Cardiac Arrest
Modern lifestyle choices/habits- In today’s time, most people have shifted to sedentary lifestyles, have poor dietary choices, and mostly stay stressed. Youngsters are now more prone to unhealthy habits such as excessive alcohol intake, illicit drug abuse, smoking, lack of physical activity, and consumption of calorie-loaded, processed, and nutrient-poor foods. Collectively, these lifestyle factors have led to the escalation of cardiovascular risk factors such as cardiac arrests.
Underlying heart conditions- The most common one is coronary artery disease-the narrowing of arteries that carries blood to the heart. Others include arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure (not effective heart pumping), cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), and congenital heart defects.
Family history- Having a family healthy history of cardiac arrest or any other heart problem increases one’s likeliness of getting cardiac arrest.
Environmental factors- These include long-term exposure to pollutants, loud noise, or extreme heat.
Electrolyte imbalance- If there is a critical imbalance in electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, arrhythmia can be triggered which would eventually cause cardiac arrest.
Physical trauma- A severe trauma like a sudden blow or impact to the chest can impact the heart’s normal rhythm and result in cardiac arrest.
Lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest
Dr. Sujay Shad, Heart Surgery Doctor in India suggest measures to maintain the heart’s good health and avoid cardiovascular problems. Their recommended lifestyle changes and prevention tips include:
Having a heart-healthy diet- The diet must incorporate plant-based nutrients, healthy fats, lean proteins, and antioxidants. There must be minimal consumption of processed foods, sugar-loaded drinks, and caffeine, and even reduced salt intake. It is important to practise mindful eating and staying hydrated. All this can help control levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar which are the risk factors of cardiac arrest.
Regularly exercising- The aim must be at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity workout for 4-5 days a week. Physical activities can strengthen the heart.
Maintaining a healthy weight- Having a proper diet and keeping the body physically active every day is important to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest due to being overweight or obese.
Avoiding smoking and drug and alcohol abuse- Smoking and drug/alcohol abuse are all risk factors for cardiac arrest.
Getting adequate sleep- Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Managing stress- Stress is a risk factor for cardiac arrest so it must be managed with stress-relaxing techniques like yoga and meditation.
Getting regular health check-ups- This is important to detect underlying heart problems and get treated in a timely manner to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.
There is a significant increase in cardiac arrest cases in India, and it is affecting not only elders but also children. This is an alarming situation, and any signs of symptoms of heart issues must not be neglected. Book a visit with heart expert, Dr. Sujay Shad for more details on heart health.
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