Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youngsters has been on a
constant rise due to various factors including sedentary lifestyles, diabetes,
alcohol consumption and smoking, and hypertension.

According to research published in American Heart Journal,
there is a 13% increase in the incidence of sudden cardiac arrest among
youngsters in their mid-30s to mid-40s and SCA has been one of the leading causes
of death that can strike anyone at any age. In certain cases, it also affects
people without any history of heart disease.

Cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function,
breathing, and consciousness which is caused by an electrical disturbance in
the heart due to which the pumping action is disrupted, obstructing the flow of
blood to the body. This is triggered by abnormal heart rhythms, known as a
cardiac arrhythmia which leads to an individual’s collapse.

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Time is very critical in the case of SCA because when the
heart stops functioning, the lack of oxygenated blood can lead to brain damage
or even death within minutes. Therefore, while helping an unconscious person,
time is very important.

SCA can be caused by various factors, such as a family history of sudden cardiac death from smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, inactive lifestyles, and low ejection fraction. An individual may experience warning signs like anxiety, chest pain, fainting, shortness of breath, sweating, weakness, dizziness, and light-headedness before SCA occurs.

We can manage SCA through CPR (Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation) which is a combination of techniques, including chest
compressions, designed to pump the heart for blood circulation and deliver
oxygen to the brain. This is a life-saving method and increases the chances for a
person’s survival if started early after the heart has stopped
beating. If CPR is performed within the first six minutes after the heart stops
beating, it can keep a person alive until medical help arrives.

As the pandemic has led to an increase in sedentary
lifestyles for the youth, it is important for all age groups to take care of
their health and to start taking care of the heart to prevent SCA in the long
run. Though it is difficult to fully eradicate the risk of cardiac arrest in
young people, certain changes in lifestyle and eating habits can surely reduce
the possibility of its occurrence.

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It is suggested to avoid oily, sugary, high cholesterol food
and replace them with wholesome grains, green vegetables, and omega 3-rich
foods in the diet. It is important for an individual to have at least 30-45
minutes of physical activity every day. Yoga is advised to manage stress and
strain and relax the mind and the body. Alcohol consumption and smoking should be strictly avoided.