SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IN YOUNGSTERS

Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youngsters

There was a prevailing belief that cardiac arrests or heart attacks predominantly afflicted individuals aged 55 years and older. However, this notion is now debunked by contemporary reality. We are increasingly witnessing reports of young people succumbing to heart attacks. For instance, a recent incident in Bhopal involved the tragic demise of a 20-year-old young man due to a heart attack during his sleep. Similarly, a 26-year-old athlete from Bhopal, experienced a cardiac arrest while engaged in a sports activity. These incidents serve as a stark reminder and generate our curiosity about the growing prevalence of cardiac ailments among the younger population.

Here are some reasons and causes of frequent heart disease in young people.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest and how it is different from Heart attacks? 

In Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) all the heart function stop suddenly due to irregular heart beat. This rapid, erratic rhythm impedes the heart's ability to effectively pump blood, depriving the body of necessary blood supply and ultimately resulting in death.
In contrast, heart attacks occur when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, disrupting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can potentially cause damage to the heart if oxygen-deprived blood cannot reach the heart muscle. It's essential to note that while heart attacks can sometimes trigger SCA, it's important to recognize that these two terms are not synonymous, says Dr. Anurag Jain senior cardiologist, Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal.

Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Youngsters.

When asked about increasing Cardiac Arrest in Youngsters, Doctor Gaurav Khandelwal, Senior Cardiologist, Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal shared, in general, close to 75% of instances of sudden cardiac arrest are linked to coronary artery disease. Nevertheless, for individuals under the age of 40, congenital heart defects or genetic irregularities in the heart's electrical system assume a more prominent role. In those aged 30 and above, coronary artery disease becomes the predominant factor.

Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest common in people under the age of 40?

Dr. Anurag Jain, a senior Cardiologist at Apollo Sage Hospitals,points: When we typically think about heart disease and cardiac arrest, our minds often associate them with individuals aged 55 and above. However, it's crucial to recognize that even younger people can be susceptible to sudden cardiac arrests. It's not uncommon to come across stories of young individuals suddenly collapsing, sometimes during rigorous exercise or even without any apparent trigger. Although sudden cardiac arrest is relatively infrequent in younger populations, it does occur, and it's imperative to be aware of this reality.

What are the symptoms and causes of Sudden Cardiac Attack in youngsters?

While the exact cause of sudden cardiac arrest in young adults can sometimes never be known, several causative factors exist, such as: 
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young individuals is a relatively rare but serious medical event. It can occur due to a variety of underlying causes. SCA is not the same as a heart attack, which is caused by a blocked blood vessel in the heart. SCA is characterized by the sudden loss of heart function, leading to the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

Common causes and symptoms of SCA in young individuals include:

Causes:

• Congenital Heart Conditions: Some individuals are born with structural heart abnormalities, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and other genetic conditions that can increase the risk of SCA.
• Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can lead to Sudden cardiac arrest. In arrhythmia condition your heart ventricles generate abnormal and disorganise impulses.Arrhythmias can be caused by various factors, including underlying heart conditions, substance abuse, or even stress.
• Commotio Cordis: A rare condition where a blow to the chest, often in sports, can trigger a fatal arrhythmia, especially in young people with healthy hearts.
• Drug Use: Illicit drug use, especially stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger SCA due to their effects on the heart's electrical system.
• Inherited Conditions: Some hereditary conditions, such as Marfan syndrome, may increase the risk of Sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms:
Sudden cardiac arrest is often characterized by a person suddenly losing consciousness and falling to the ground. They typically have no pulse, unresponsive, and are not breathing. Other symptoms or warning signs leading up to SCA might include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting (syncope)

It's important to note that in many cases, Sudden Cardiac Arrest can occur without any warning signs or symptoms, which makes it particularly dangerous.
If you suspect someone is experiencing SCA, it's essential to act quickly:
Call 0755-4308111 or local emergency number of Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal 3505050 immediately.
Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help maintain blood flow to the vital organs.
To know more about CPR process visit Emergency Department of Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available, as it can help restore a normal heart rhythm.
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest in young individuals often involves identifying and managing underlying risk factors, such as congenital heart conditions, through regular medical check-ups and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, education on CPR and AED use can be crucial for early intervention and improving the chances of survival in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

What are the Risk factors?

 

• Get your family history of Sudden Cardiac Death checked
• Quit Smoking
• Maintain blood pressure
• Maintaining blood cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Inactive lifestyle

How to prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest in youngsters? 

Due to sudden rise in the case of sudden cardiac arrest among the youngster it is must that youngsters it is must for them they need extra care by visiting their near by cardiologists for regular check ups. It will help them to know whether they have any risk of getting sudden cardiac arrest, so they will take cautions while doing physical activities.
It is must you should also look after your family history, whether in your parents ,siblings,cousins, uncle,aunt and grandparents have any kind of heart diseases or not.

Should youngster with heart problems avoid or limit physical activity?

It is always best for youngster with heart problems that they take advise of their cardiologist in a matter of physical activities. Your cardiologists advise you which types of exercise is safe for you.
If you have any kind of devise implant on your chest which detect and stop irregular heart beat. It is must you should not take part in full contact sports.

At Apollo Sage Hospitals in Bhopal, we present the ProHealth Check Programs, a cutting-edge AI-driven approach. This comprehensive program integrates predictive risk analysis, personalized health packages curated by our expert doctors, advanced diagnostic services, expert assessments, and a customized wellness plan. Our goal is to empower you to make positive and sustainable improvements in your health and well-being.
To conclude the topic of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in youngsters it is prescribed to get frequent health checkups if you have heart disease history in your family, follow healthy lifestyle and be aware of the symptoms. Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal offers state-of-Art cardiac services to keep you and your family healthy and safe.