It is interesting how a number of people think they are in perfect health, only to get to a point where one doctor’s appointment reveals that they are at risk of cardiac arrest during emergencies. This is what makes it important for an individual to go for regular testing so that they are able to establish what some of the risk factors are as well as some of the things that one can do to lower the risk of the same. Even before delving into the information that will show who is at risk, it becomes important to understand what cardiac arrest entails as well as how it manifests.
When someone is said to have suffered cardiac arrest, what this essentially means is that the bottom chambers of their heart started to show quick and irregular electric waves so that the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. Consequently, the blood pressure of the individual plummets so severely, and in cases where the heart rhythm is not quickly restored, there is a chance that the patient will not survive. Due to the severity of the condition, it is best that individuals know whether they are at risk of cardiac arrest so that they are able to stay prepared.
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV11kplLoxw” width=”200″ height=”200″]What are some of the risk factors of cardiac arrest?
– Individuals who suffer from coronary artery disease are at risk of cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease is a condition where the arteries become filled with cholesterol deposits so that there is decreased flow of blood. This complicates the heart’s function thus placing an individual at risk of cardiac arrest.
– In case a heart attack occurs as a result of coronary artery disease, this can easily cause what is known as ventricular fibrillation leading to sudden cardiac arrest. When a heart attack occurs, it often leaves behind scar tissues. Occasionally, these tissues cause electrical signals to short circuit leading to irregular heart rhythm. For this reason, individuals who have had heart attacks previously are at risk of having a cardiac arrest.
– Congenital heart diseases are also a risk factor for cardiac arrest. Such disorders are those that occur as a result of an abnormality of the heart present at birth. Note that even grownups who have undergone surgery to correct such anomalies are at risk of cardiac arrest.
– Although rare, there are cases where people who are at risk of cardiac arrest are those who have had problems with the electrical system of the heart as opposed to the muscles of the heart. This is the case with people who suffer from conditions such as Brugada’s syndrome.
Part of properly managing the occurrence of cardiac arrest means knowing whether or not one suffers from any given condition. If there is not a medical condition that can be pointed out as been the causative agent of cardiac arrest, it becomes important for patients to maintain an active lifestyle as well as avoid foods that are high in fat content to prevent blockage of blood vessels.