Heart health: Lifestyle changes to prevent cardiac arrest in teens – experts explain

India is reporting a sudden increase in heart attacks among teenagers, which has left the nation worried. The increase in the incidence of cardiac arrest in this young population has raised many concerns among parents, health professionals and researchers worldwide. Cardiac arrest is most commonly associated with older adults, especially those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

However, the recent surge in cases of cardiac arrest among adolescents has attracted widespread attention and demands immediate attention. Understanding the reasons behind this sudden increase is of utmost importance to reduce the risks and protect the health of adolescents.

Dr Jayant Khandare, Senior Consultant Paediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care, Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital Pune, explains what lifestyle changes can prevent cardiac arrest in teenagers.

Also Read: Can Heat Trigger Mental Health Issues? experts tell

What causes sudden cardiac arrest?

Dr Khandare explains, “Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or does not beat fast enough to maintain normal systemic blood circulation leading to cardiac contractility and tissue perfusion. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a Begins with a cardiac cause that occurs within an hour of the onset of symptoms.

He further explains, “The underlying causes of sudden cardiac arrest are at both ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, intense bouts of physical activity predispose us to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), while on the other hand, lifestyle trends including inactivity and obesity can trigger SCA.

Is Covid-19 a reason behind the sudden increase in cardiac arrests?

Dr Khandare explains, “The heart health of a person gets affected if he/she is exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Medical research and studies have shown that COVID-19 adversely affects the blood vessels of the body, making individuals more susceptible to heart diseases. This phenomenon is most commonly seen in people who, in the past, have had long-COVID and/or developed complications after early recovery from illness.”

Dr Khandare said, “Though COVID-19 has increased the risk of cardiac arrest among a significant population, the main reason behind this is lifestyle deficit, including lack of physical activity, poor diet, lack of sleep and associated factors Are included.”

5 most common causes of cardiac arrest in young adults

Dr. Khandare shares the top five common causes of cardiac arrest in young adults. This includes:

The fast-paced nature of modern life, merged with technological advances that reduce physical activity, has led to the normalization of a sedentary lifestyle.

Bad eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse further increase the risk.

Additionally, high stress levels as a result of personal and professional pressures contribute to the vulnerability of individuals.

Finally, a family history of sudden cardiac arrest adds a genetic predisposition to the mix.

“While these are common causes of cardiac arrest in young adults, adolescents and children include a genetic predisposition to the disease and a family history of known heart abnormalities,” Dr Khandare said.

He further explained, “Blunt trauma, a sudden forceful blow to the chest can also cause cardiac arrest. In addition, clinical conditions including respiratory failure, cardiogenic shock, sepsis and trauma have also emerged as triggering factors for cardiac arrest in children.

Any lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest?

Dr Khandare shared that there is no quick fix solution that can be applied to this. However, to get started, there is no substitute for adopting healthy lifestyle practices on a daily basis. This also includes:

– Follow a balanced diet

– Exercising regularly (which suits different body types)

Avoiding habits like smoking and drug use

– regulating alcohol consumption

maintaining healthy sleep patterns, and

– Effective management of stress.

“To actively reduce instances of the “worrying trend” of cardiac arrest among teens and young adults, we recommend cardiac screening in high schools and colleges. These include comprehensive assessment of risk factors, blood pressure measurement, heart Should include assessment of associated symptoms, consideration of family history, and identification of stress-related issues.

“Also, it should be ensured that children who participate in organized sports have a medical fitness certificate. Additionally, imparting Basic Life Support (BLS) training to gym trainers, sports teachers and staff members in educational institutions should be made a prerequisite to enable the institutions to respond effectively in case of any medical emergency. .