HYDERABAD: The leading cause of death in India is sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, which can strike anyone at any age, including the young. Leading cardiologists pointed out that the mean age is much lower in India than elsewhere in the world for a SCA to occur, which necessitates immediate action.
Cardiologists stated that the causes and signs of SCA are still not well understood or, at the very least, are not being addressed, and they predict an increase in SCA cases due to changes in lifestyle and other environmental factors. With October marked as Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, cardiologists emphasised the importance of educating people about the growing prevalence of SCA and how to prevent it.
There has been a significant increase in cardiac arrest cases in India, particularly among younger age groups. Annually, more than seven lakh cases of sudden cardiac death are reported, according to estimates. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), 86 per cent of cardiovascular deaths could have been prevented or avoided through prevention and treatment.
Dr. B.Hygriv Rao, senior cardiologist, says, "A heart attack is one of the leading causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and the number of heart attack patients in India continues to rise year after year, despite widespread awareness. The causes and signs of SCA are still not well understood. Given that the average age of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest in India is much lower than the rest of the world, immediate action is required.”
Dr.Rao pointed out that the rapid shift to sedentary lifestyles, combined with poor air quality, is a major factor. While some efforts have been made to reduce this through dietary guidelines, they do not address the full range of issues that lead to cardiovascular diseases. "As a result, rather than prioritising, we must look at the indicators that lead to heart disease at a macro-level," he said.
Dr. V. S. Ramchandra, another cardiologist, said unhealthy lifestyle choices and increased stress are the main drivers of heart disease in India. While people are aware that increased consumption of processed foods can lead to weight gain in the short-term, they frequently fail to recognise the long-term consequences, which are not as easily reversed.
"Additionally, working from home has resulted in a decrease in people's regular physical activity rather than a more balanced and focused life. People must take a break and go for a run, jog, or stroll. Children and young people must also make it a habit to exercise for at least 40 minutes every day because it is good for their hearts and overall health," he said.
Furthermore, he stated that proper CPR training for the general public is required to aid in the prevention of sudden cardiac deaths. "Resuscitation is only possible when an onlooker or caregiver applies chest compressions to a patient whose heart has stopped during a cardiac arrest. This can help keep the oxygen supply going while you wait for medical help,” he stated.
