Sudden cardiac arrests devastate lives, with a staggering 90% fatality rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a chilling figure of 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests yearly in the US.
Heart Stopping
When the heart suddenly stops beating, a cardiac arrest occurs, cutting off vital blood flow to the body.
Those who survive face potential brain and organ damage alongside lasting mental health struggles such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
A recent study featured in The Lancet sheds light on potential pre-cardiac arrest warning signs, offering hope for timely intervention and improved survival rates.
Four Key Symptoms
Researchers identified four key symptoms indicating an imminent cardiac arrest:
- Dyspnoea (Shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Diaphoresis (Excessive sweating)
- Seizure-like activity
Dyspnoea, or shortness of breath, was a prominent symptom seen in 41% of patients in the study’s discovery group, revealing its potential as an early warning sign.
Chest pain, experienced by 33% of the discovery group, emerged as a crucial indicator of an impending cardiac arrest.
Excessive sweating due to secondary conditions, known as diaphoresis, was observed in 12% of individuals, hinting at an oncoming cardiac emergency.
In 11% of cases, seizure-like activity acted as a forewarning that should be acted on as soon as it’s noticed.
Gender-Specific Variations
The study noted gender-specific variations in symptoms. While men showed a strong association between chest pain, dyspnoea, and diaphoresis with sudden cardiac arrest, in women, dyspnoea stood out as a significant indicator.
The CDC pinpointed the main causes of cardiac arrests, including cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, arrhythmia, and rare cases of commotio cordis triggered by forceful chest impact.
Cardiomyopathy, characterized by abnormal contractions due to an enlarged or stiff heart muscle, emerged as a prevalent cause of sudden cardiac arrests.
Coronary artery disease, restricting heart blood flow, was identified as a major contributor to cardiac arrests caused by a lack of cardio activity.
Signs and Risks
A condition affecting heart valves, valvular heart disease, was highlighted as another potential trigger for sudden cardiac arrests.
Arrhythmia, irregular heartbeats, slow or fast, was flagged as a significant risk factor, underscoring the importance of monitoring heart rhythms.
Although rare, forceful chest impacts, like a hard ball or steering wheel strike, can cause cardiac arrest. This phenomenon, known as commotio cordis, serves as a reminder of cardiac vulnerabilities.
Educating communities about the signs and risk factors of cardiac arrests can equip them to recognize the danger, potentially saving lives in their midst.
The post ‘The Sudden Killer’ – Can You Spot the 4 ‘Red Flags’ and Survive Cardiac Arrest? first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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