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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
SCA is a life-threatening emergency where the heart suddenly stops working, cutting off blood flow to the brain and organs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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People with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and those with a family history of SCA are at higher 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.
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Eat heart-healthy foods, manage stress, monitor blood pressure, and avoid smoking. Regular cardio exercise helps, too.
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Omega-3s, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy veggies, nuts and berries, which might support cardiac function.
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ECG, echocardiogram, lipid profile, etc, can help detect early signs of cardiac issues. Do not ignore them.
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Knowing hands-only CPR can be the difference between life and death during sudden cardiac arrest.
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Be smart, take action today, as your lifestyle choices matter. Stay informed, eat right, and get tested.
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