On Sunday morning, two unfortunate news came to the fore
On Sunday morning, 20 year old college student M Dhinesh Kumar of Kallakurichi district in Madurai died of sudden cardiac arrest after a 10 kilometre marathon event. He was admitted to the hospital and died two hours later.
In another unfortunate incident, 27 year old Ayush Gupta, a student at IIM B died due to cardiac arrest. Ayush Gupta, a second-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) student, was a senior coordinator of the Student Alumni Committee of PGP. He was a graduate of BITS Pilani and had completed a summer internship at the private equity firm, Faering Capital.
What exactly happened?
As per reports, quoting doctors and eyewitnesses, Dhinesh was found having fits after an hour of completing the marathon. He was found to have low blood pressure. He was given life-saving treatment and was taken to the hospital where as per doctors he did not respond to treatment. Seizure-like body movement is commonly seen in patients who have sudden onset of cardiac arrest, especially ventricular fibrillation, and tachycardia.
Why are cardiac arrest cases seen in so many young people these days?
The rise in cardiac arrest cases among young people can be attributed to various factors, says Dr. Gyanti R.B.Singh, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiologist, Metro Hospitals & Heart Institute, Noida. Dr. Singh points out that several unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as sedentary behavior, poor diet, and excessive stress, contribute to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of cardiac issues. "Substance abuse, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also impact heart health negatively. Additionally, genetic factors and certain medical conditions may predispose young individuals to cardiac events," he says.
What are the underlying health complications that can trigger cardiac arrest?
One of the major hindrances in the treatment of cardiac events is the lack of awareness about the disease and its symptoms. "Several underlying health complications can trigger cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrow or blocked. Other heart conditions like arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), cardiomyopathy (weakening of heart muscles), and congenital heart defects can also lead to cardiac arrest. Moreover, drug abuse, electrolyte imbalances, infections, and severe trauma can be potential triggers. Identifying and managing these risk factors is essential to prevent cardiac arrest in young individuals," explains Dr Singh.
What are the signs of cardiac arrest?
It is very important to know what a cardiac arrest looks like so that you can call for medical help immediately. If you feel like having difficulty in breathing, unusual fatigue, extreme back pain, flu like signs, pain in the stomach, vomiting, nausea, angina or chest pain do not delay and seek help. For others, if you see someone with these signs call a doctor and take the person to hospital.
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Here's what you should do when you see someone having cardiac arrest?
Check if the person is responsive or not. Ask for help. If the person is not breathing begin CPR. Continue CPR till medical help reaches. "Push down at least two inches in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 pushes a minute. Allow the chest to come back up to its normal position after each push," the American Heart Association recommends.
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