Sudden Cardiac Death - How to avoid it?

The heart is the pumping organ that supplies oxygenated blood to every single organ of the body. When there is some obstruction in the coronary blood vessels of the heart that supplies blood to the heart itself, then a heart attack or a sudden cardiac death can occur. SCD is a condition in which the heart ceases to beat suddenly and stops supplying blood to itself and other vital organs such as the lungs, brain, liver, etc. This happens predominantly due to the malfunctions in the electrical systems of the heart. It is mandatory to treat it within minutes to prevent death. Rapid treatment with a defibrillator is mandatory within minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest to save the life.

Causes and risk factors for sudden cardiac death:

The most common causes of sudden cardiac death are arrhythmias, especially ventricular fibrillation, where the heart beats at an irregular rhythm. Ischemic heart disease, where the coronary arteries are obstructed, physical stress, and structural changes in the heart. The risk of sudden cardiac death increases with age, and it is more likely to happen in men than in women. People with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney diseases, etc., are more prone to get affected by SCD.

Preventing sudden cardiac death – how to avoid:

Periodic screening is pivotal to mitigate the risk factors of developing heart disease. People who are above 35 years of age should search for an internal medicine doctor near me, and get their heart screened at least once a year. The sudden cardiac arrest comes almost without any warning and to prevent death, the only tool is a defibrillator that is available only in the hospital emergency room and in ambulances. Lucky are those, who could reach the ER within minutes of the attack, but most people die within minutes of a sudden cardiac arrest. Thus preventing SCD is the only management protocol we could think of. Some simple ways to prevent cardiac arrest as suggested by the best internal medicine doctor in Gurgaon are as follows.

  • Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, cholesterol, and carbohydrate content.
  • Exercise for at least 15 to 20 minutes a day. A brisk walk or a cycle ride are great ways to enjoy the fresh air while keeping the heart-healthy.
  • Lose weight, if the BMI is higher. Creating a healthy regimen with foods and exercise is a great way to lower the BMI.
  • Reduce the level of stress and adopt relaxation techniques to mitigate the risks of a cardiac arrest.
  • Stop smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol, as they can increase the size of the heart muscle.

Bottom Line:

Those who are at risk of developing sudden cardiac arrest should consult the best internal medicine doctor in Gurgaon who should take medicines to decrease the chances of having a heart attack or dying suddenly. Medicines should lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots that can lead to a heart attack. Above all, we should follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, along with medicines to treat heart disease. 

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