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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Symptoms and How to Prevent It?

SCA is a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops working, cutting off blood flow to the brain and organs.

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)?

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A heart attack is a circulation problem that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is hampered, while SCA is when the heart suddenly stops working due to some malfunction. One may lead to the other, but they aren’t the same.

How Is It Different From a Heart Attack?

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Some symptoms that can precede SCA include unexplained fatigue, fainting, chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Know your body, study the signs correctly.

Early Symptoms

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Some warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore are sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, and loss of consciousness, which are hallmark signs for which immediate help is crucial.

Warning Signs

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People with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and those with a family history of SCA are at higher risk.

Who’s at Risk?

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Athletes or fit people have also experienced SCA due to undiagnosed heart conditions. So regular screenings can be life saving.

Young & Fit? You’re Not Immune

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Eat heart-healthy foods, manage stress, monitor blood pressure, and avoid smoking. Regular cardio exercise helps, too.

How to Prevent It?

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Omega-3s, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy veggies, nuts and berries, which might support cardiac function.

Nutritional Tips for Heart Health

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ECG, echocardiogram, lipid profile, etc, can help detect early signs of cardiac issues. Do not ignore them.

Importance of Regular Checkups

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Knowing hands-only CPR can be the difference between life and death during sudden cardiac arrest.

Learn CPR: It Can Save a Life

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Be smart, take action today, as your lifestyle choices matter. Stay informed, eat right, and get tested.

Conclusion

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