Warning signs before cardiac arrest
Warning signs before cardiac arrest
Recognizing Warning Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Key to Saving Lives
Sudden cardiac arrest, often perceived as an unforeseen event, may not be quite as sudden as previously thought. A new study reveals that 50% of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest actually have warning signs up to 24 hours before the event. Moreover, these warning signs differ for men and women, with shortness of breath being the prominent symptom for women and chest pain and pressure for men.
The study, led by Dr. Sumeet Chugh from the Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute in Los Angeles, challenges the notion that cardiac arrest occurs without any preceding indications. Identifying these warning signs could potentially increase the chances of saving lives by providing individuals with the opportunity to seek immediate medical attention.
Cardiac arrest is primarily caused by heart rhythm abnormalities, which lead to the heart stopping its pumping action. As a result, blood flow to vital organs, including the brain, ceases. In the United States, approximately 450,000 people die from cardiac arrest each year, often within minutes of the event occurring.
By analyzing data from two community-based studies, researchers discovered that half of the individuals who experienced sudden cardiac arrest had at least one telltale symptom within the 24 hours leading up to the event. Men commonly reported chest pain and pressure, while women often experienced shortness of breath. Additionally, smaller groups of both men and women reported palpitations, seizure-like activity, and flu-like symptoms prior to cardiac arrest, further highlighting the range of warning signs that can potentially appear.
However, it is important to note that chest pain and shortness of breath can occur for reasons unrelated to cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, when experienced alongside underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or known heart disease, these symptoms are more likely to be associated with an impending cardiac event. Dr. Chugh emphasizes that future technologies, such as smartwatches and mobile applications, may play a role in narrowing down the individuals who are at the highest risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
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Dr. Raman Mitra, the director of the electrophysiology laboratory at North Shore University Hospital in New York, underscores the significance of recognizing warning signs. Mitra explains that sudden cardiac arrest is not always an instantaneous collapse; there may be opportunities to identify individuals at risk earlier and provide timely medical assistance. Seeking medical attention should be encouraged if chest pain is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, fainting, sweating, or nausea.
In emergencies where cardiac arrest occurs, immediate action is crucial. If witnessing someone collapse, it is essential to initiate CPR right away. Brain damage can occur if CPR is not started within two to three minutes of cardiac arrest. Moreover, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are increasingly prevalent in public places. These devices can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if necessary, helping to restore a normal heart rhythm. The prompt administration of CPR or the use of AEDs has been credited with saving lives, including those of well-known individuals like Bronny James, the son of NBA player LeBron James, and Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin.
The findings of this study, published in The Lancet Digital Health journal, emphasize the importance of heeding warning signs related to sudden cardiac arrest. Recognizing these symptoms promptly could potentially be a lifesaving measure. Dr. Mitra urges individuals to seek medical attention if they experience any new chest pain associated with shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, fainting, sweating, or nausea.
QUESTION: Sudden cardiac arrest means the heart has stopped beating. – Answer: True
