The passing of Spandana, Vijay Raghavendra’s wife, underscores the importance of comprehending sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and women’s heart health. SCA, distinct from heart attacks, can unpredictably occur during sleep due to factors like inherited conditions, structural issues, and arrhythmias.
Possible Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest During Sleep
1. Inherited Heart Conditions: Genetic disorders like Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can heighten the risk of SCA.
2. Structural Heart Abnormalities: Congenital defects and other structural issues can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, potentially leading to SCA.
3. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, if not managed properly, can trigger SCA.
4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can exacerbate heart problems, increasing the risk of SCA.
Prevention and Management
Preventing SCA involves a multifaceted approach, as outlined by Dr. Chandra:
1. Regular Medical Check-ups: Consistent visits to healthcare professionals aid in identifying and managing underlying health issues.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol contribute to heart health.
3. Awareness of Symptoms: Recognizing warning signs like chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and fainting prompts timely medical attention.
4. Screening: Cardiac screenings, especially with a family history of heart conditions, help detect potential problems early.
5. Genetic Testing: Genetic tests can identify inherited conditions, guiding preventive measures.
6. Education: Educating young women about heart health and early detection is crucial.
Heart Health After 40 in Women
Dr. Ajitkumar Jadhav, an Interventional Cardiologist, underscores that women over 40 can experience distinct heart attack symptoms. Timely recognition and seeking medical help are crucial due to potential atypical symptoms. Lifestyle changes including exercise, balanced diets, sleep, and stress management can reduce risks linked to perimenopausal shifts, syndrome X, and obesity.
Winding it up
Understanding the factors contributing to sudden cardiac arrest and heart health in women is critical for preventing tragedies like Spandana’s untimely passing. By raising awareness, practicing preventive measures, and embracing healthy lifestyles, individuals can reduce the risk of SCA and other heart-related issues.
