Save yourself from heart trouble, young man!

Many young Indians are facing serious cardiac trouble. An analysis.

Save yourself from heart trouble, young man!

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• The story: Death of young people, especially seemingly healthy and successful ones, evokes shock and surprise in society. People are dying after work-outs in gyms. How can fit, young people who exercise daily, die so suddenly? 
• CAD: The coronary artery disease (CAD) is a problem plaguing many - cholesterol deposits (plaques) cause blockages in arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Many young Indians are affected.

1. Sudden blood clots may develop in these partially-blocked arteries, stopping the blood supply to the heart
2. That leads to heart attacks, starting with severe chest pain
3. In 10% of such cases, the heart stops beating or starts beating too fast and randomly (cardiac arrest)
4. Immediate CPR is needed within minutes, to avoid death (SCD)  [CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation; SCD - Sudden Cardiac Death]

• Most common: The most important cause of SCD in India for those above 30 yrs is CAD leading to a heart attack. If more people can be trained in CPR, many lives can be saved.
• Indian situation: Genetically, Indians are three times more likely to get CAD and heart attacks, and that too at younger ages (compared to, say, Americans). Past 25 years have been really bad, and both men and women are at risk of CAD and heart attacks. It is also the most common cause of death in India.
• Risk factors: These are - smoking, tobacco ingestion, obesity, diabetes, stress, high BP, sedentary lifestyle. If all these come together, the chances of heart attacks grow. But what if those who exercise regularly start to die?
• Strange deaths: CAD can be asymptomatic also, and remain undiagnosed. At least 25% of those with CAD (even severe blockages) are asymptomatic. Non-severe blockages too can lead to heart attacks if not treated properly. CAD is a silent killer.
• Too much exercise: Prolonged exercise can rupture those non-significant blockages with blood clots, obstructing the heart arteries. That leads to heart attacks, or even death. [Difference - A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart stops and thus causes a section of the heart muscle to begin to die; whereas a cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating as a whole.] 
• Solution: Regular check-up for identifying risk factors early on is important. For Indians, 40 is that age. Those with a family history, must start this at 20. There are non-invasive, inexpensive tests available, including for blood sugar, ECG, Doppler and TMT. The best test, though, is a CT coronary angio which catches CAD at an early stage. Then, the lifestyle changes, and drugs can start.
• Solution: People have to take responsbility for their own lives, and ensure proper check-ups in time. 
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) Explain the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. (2) What are the reasons many young Indians are falling prey to heart diseases? Analyse and explain. (3) What are "lifestyle modifications", with reference to heart diseases? Explain.

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#coronarydisease #CAD #CPR #SCD #heartdisease

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