The heart is a vital organ of the body that requires utmost care. (Photo : Twitter/Amir Afkhami)
The New Year is a good time as any to be more knowledgeable and alert to health issues like cardiac arrest, which claims the lives of many people across the world. The sad reality is many people ignore the early warning symptoms.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, prompt response to the symptoms of cardiac arrest can heighten the chance of survival of patients.
Dr. Sumeet Chugh, lead author of the study, said that for a large percentage of individuals who experienced cardiac arrest, the time when they feel bad enough to pick up the phone to call up 911 is just too late.
Over half of 839 patients in Northwestern United States, aged 35 to 65 years, who were observed for 10 years since 2002 exhibited cardiac arrest warning symptoms, notably chest pain and labored breathing. A large percentage experienced recurring symptoms, but most of these were ignored.
While chest pain may signal some other condition such as severe anxiety or a heart attack, it pays to know the various telltale signs of sudden cardiac arrest, and to see a doctor who can rule out heart-related problems.
Cardiac arrest, which happens when the heart's electrical activity goes haywire and cannot pump blood to the rest of the body, can sneak in when least expected. In Sydney, a young woman experienced cardiac arrest while undergoing breast augmentation surgery in a reputable cosmetic surgery clinic, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Cardiac arrest may be set in as an adverse reaction to a procedure. It may also develop as a result of risk factors such as an existing coronary heart disease, a previous episode of heart attack, intense physical exertion, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, or simple leading a sedentary lifestyle.
It is important, especially for people susceptible to cardiac arrest, to eat healthy meals regularly, and avoid nutritional deficiencies, particularly of potassium and magnesium.
Potassium and magnesium can be found in fruits like bananas and avocados, leafy greens, nuts, chia seeds, yogurt, among others.
Apart from healthy eating and cutting back on alcohol, easing extreme emotional and physical stresses and incorporating exercise in one's daily routine can work wonders for the heart.
