As per Aditi Jagtap Pune, director of RMHF, Pune, Several factors can contribute to the development of CAD, including a diet high in saturated and trans fats, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a family history of CAD or have one or more of these risk factors, you may be at an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
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Top Five Factors that Contribute to Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Aditi Jagtap Pune
1. PROTECT YOUR HEART:
UNDERSTANDING THE TOP FIVE
FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
ADITI JAGTAP PUNE
www.rammangalhf.com/about-us/
2. HEART HEALTHY AND
FUNCTIONING OPTIMALLY
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of
death worldwide, and sudden cardiac arrest is
a significant contributor to this grim statistic.
This condition can occur unexpectedly, without
any warning signs, and can be fatal if not
treated immediately. While some cases of
sudden cardiac arrest are due to underlying
medical conditions, others are preventable,
Says Dr Ranjit Jagtap Pune.
3. UNDERSTANDING THE
HEART AND ITS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical system includes the sinoatrial (SA) node, the atrioventricular (AV) node,
and the Purkinje fibres. The SA node is the genuine pacemaker of the heart, and it
transmits electrical impulses to the atria, rendering them to contract. The impulses
then travel to the AV node, which delays the impulse briefly before sending it to the
ventricles via the Purkinje fibres. This delay allows the atria to contract fully before the
ventricles contract, ensuring that blood is efficiently pumped out of the heart.
In a healthy heart, the electrical system works seamlessly, allowing the heart to beat at
a regular rhythm. However, certain factors can disrupt this system, leading to
abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart
suddenly stops beating due to a severe arrhythmia, preventing blood from flowing to
the brain and other vital organs.
4. Factor 1: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Factor 2: Congenital Heart Defects
Factor 3: Heart Attack
Factor 4: Electrolyte Imbalances
Factor 5: Drug and Alcohol Abuse
TOP FIVE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
SCA — GENETICS, AGE, LIFESTYLE, MEDICAL
CONDITIONS, AND MEDICATION
5. PREVENTION AND RISK
REDUCTION
STRATEGIES FOR SCA
While some factors that contribute to sudden cardiac
arrest are beyond our control, there are several steps,
suggested by Dr. Ranjit Jagtap that we can take to
reduce our risk of this life-threatening condition. These
steps include:
• Ingesting a healthy diet that is low in saturated and
trans fats
• Employing regular physical activity
• Overseeing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and
diabetes
• Ceasing smoking and detouring exposure to
secondhand smoke
• Restricting alcohol consumption
• Dodging drug use and seeking help if struggling with
addiction
• Working closely with healthcare providers to manage
medical conditions and medications
6. In addition to these steps, it’s essential to be aware of the
warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest, including chest pain,
shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fainting. If you
encounter these signs, seek emergency medical attention
instantly.
7. TOP FIVE FACTORS THAT
CONTRIBUTE TO SCA —
GENETICS, AGE, LIFESTYLE,
MEDICAL CONDITIONS,
AND MEDICATION
8. Factor 1: Coronary
Artery Disease (CAD)
Factor 2: Congenital
Heart Defects
Factor 3: Heart
Attack
Congenital heart weaknesses
are structural anomalies in the
heart that are existing at birth.
These defects can affect the
heart’s structure, function, or
both, and can increase the risk
of arrhythmias and sudden
cardiac arrest. Congenital heart
defects are the leading cause
of sudden cardiac arrest in
infants, children, and young
adults.
A heart attack transpires when
blood flow to the heart is
obstructed, generally by a
blood clot. This blockage can
cause permanent damage to
the heart muscle, increasing
the risk of arrhythmias and
sudden cardiac arrest. While
not all heart attacks lead to
sudden cardiac arrest, the risk
is elevated in those who have
had a heart attack in the past.
As per Aditi Jagtap Pune, director
of RMHF, Pune, Several factors
can contribute to the development
of CAD, including a diet high in
saturated and trans fats, smoking,
high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, diabetes, and a
sedentary lifestyle. If you have a
family history of CAD or have one
or more of these risk factors, you
may be at an increased risk of
sudden cardiac arrest.
9. Electrolytes are minerals in your body that are essential for
proper cell function, including the cells in your heart. An
imbalance in electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, or
calcium, can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, leading to
arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. Electrolyte imbalances
can occur due to a variety of factors, including dehydration,
kidney disease, and certain medications.
FACTOR 4: ELECTROLYTE
IMBALANCES
10. FACTOR 5: DRUG AND ALCOHOL
ABUSE
Drug and alcohol abuse can have a significant impact on
heart health, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and
sudden cardiac arrest. Certain drugs, such as cocaine
and amphetamines, can cause the heart to beat faster,
leading to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
Alcohol abuse can also increase the risk of arrhythmias
and sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in those with
underlying heart conditions.
11. CONCLUSION
Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that can
occur unexpectedly and without warning. While some
factors that contribute to sudden cardiac arrest are beyond
our control, others can be mitigated through lifestyle
changes and medical interventions. By understanding the
top five factors that contribute to sudden cardiac arrest and
taking steps given by Aditi Japtap, Dr Ranjit Jagtap Daughter
to reduce our risk, we can protect our hearts and live
healthier, happier lives. So, let’s commit to protecting our
hearts and preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
