/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23985505/acastro_STK024_01.jpg "Major Reddit Communities Will Shut Down To Protest Threat To Third-Party Apps")
Pandey is known for movies like ‘Khosla ka Ghosla’, ‘Badhaai Do’ and ‘Om Shanti Om’ and TV series like Anupamaa, Saaya and Hum Ladkiyan.
He breathed his last in a hotel in Igatpuri, Nashik. “My brother-in-law is no more and my sister Arpita Pandey is in shock. Nitesh’s father has embarked on a journey to Igatpuri to bring back his mortal remains. They are expected to arrive later this afternoon. We are all completely numb, and I haven’t even been able to talk to Arpita since the tragedy occurred,” her brother-in-law confirmed to the media.
Cardiac arrest is killing young lives these days
The incidence of cardiac arrest among the young, and subsequently the deaths associated with it, is increasing these days.
We spoke to Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Group Leader, Cardiac Cath Laboratory, Metro Hospital, Noida, about what are the reasons behind premature deaths due to cardiac arrest these days.
Heart Health: Myths Cardiologists Wish People Would Stop Believing
The reasons behind the rising incidence of premature deaths due to cardiac arrest in recent times are multifaceted, particularly among the youth in India: sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, alcohol, smoking, hypertension, and poor diet choice.
“The adoption of sedentary lifestyles, characterized by prolonged sitting and limited physical activity, contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest and is one of the greatest risk factors for the occurrence of cardiac arrest among young adults,” says Dr. Gupta.
It also talks about unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking. “Increased alcohol use among young people has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Excessive alcohol use can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and weakening of the heart muscles. Tobacco use, including smoking, is a well-established risk factor for heart disease and cardiac arrest. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure and promotes blood clots,” it warns young people.
It also highlights the role of the new trend in food. “Unhealthy diets rich in processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive sodium intake contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest,” he cautions against eating processed and packaged foods.
Dr. Gupta also talks about chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. “High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiac arrest. Uncontrolled hypertension puts excessive pressure on the heart, increasing the likelihood of sudden cardiac events. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to damage to blood vessels and the heart,” explains Dr. Gupta.
It is important to know the family history of cardiac events
To reduce the risk of cardiac arrest events, one must know the family history of the disease, says Dr. Gupta. “Being aware of any family history of heart disease or cardiac events is important. This information can help people understand their potential risk and take appropriate preventative measures, including lifestyle modifications and regular medical checkups,” he says.
He also urges young adults to understand the signs of cardiac arrest. “Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or upper body discomfort, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial,” he advises.
CPR skills and annual cardiac checkups
“Learning about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives in the event of cardiac arrest. CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until professional help arrives. Learning CPR skills equips people to respond effectively during emergencies and significantly increases the chances of survival,” says Dr. Gupta.
“Getting regular heart checkups can help assess the health of the heart and detect any underlying conditions or risk factors. These checkups may include tests such as blood pressure measurement, cholesterol level evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and echocardiography Annual cardiac checkups allow early identification of potential problems and enable timely intervention and management of risk factors, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac arrest,” he adds.
“By learning CPR skills, people can empower themselves to provide immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies. In addition, annual cardiac checkups provide valuable information about heart health and allow proactive measures to maintain cardiovascular wellness,” concludes the expert.
