Sudden Cardiac Death – Causes and Prevention
December 24, 2009
Although death is inevitable for every mortal, it is difficult to accept death that is unexpected and sudden without any previous warning. Sudden cardiac death is one of the leading causes of deaths in young people, especially among sportsperson, that occurs when the heart stops suddenly. It has been observed that nearly 95 percent people encountering sudden cardiac arrest die within a few minutes.
Causes of sudden cardiac arrest
Unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest occurs in apparently healthy people who have no prior history of heart disease.
Electrical problems of heart
Sudden abnormal changes in the electrical activities of the heart are responsible for sudden cardiac death. Ventricular fibrillation is largely associated with sudden cardiac arrest. In ventricular fibrillation, the lower chambers of the heart or the ventricles fail to beat normally. Due to their irregular and rapid beat, the heart could not pump adequate blood. To prevent death, this condition should be treated fast, a few minutes within its occurrence.
Excess physical activity
Excess physical stress could suddenly disrupt the normal electrical signals of the heart, causing sudden cardiac arrest. This is one of the major reasons for sudden cardiac death in athletes and sports persons. When the adrenalin level rises, it might suddenly trigger cardiac arrest. Potassium and magnesium helps to maintain the normal electrical activities of the heart. If the body loses these minerals rapidly, sudden cardiac arrest can occur. You can experience sudden cardiac arrest if there is severe shortage of oxygen.
Heart disease
People with a previous history of heart disease could encounter sudden cardiac death. Coronary artery disease particularly makes a person vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrest. The plague build up in the coronary arteries could suddenly clog an artery, triggering cardiac arrest. In has been seen that chances of having sudden cardiac arrest is highest in the first six months following a heart attack.
Sudden cardiac death prevention
A healthy lifestyle could help to prevent sudden cardiac death. By maintaining normal body weight and by keeping your blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure levels normal, you could prevent sudden cardiac death. While physical activity is always good for the heart, people with hypertrophic cardiomyapathy should avoid competitive sports. If you experience any mild symptoms of heart ailment, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you should consult your physician immediately.
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