Doctor Says At Least One Telltale Symptom of Cardiac Arrest Appears the Day Before
While it’s often believed that sudden cardiac arrest strikes without a sign, that might not be the full story.
Research indicates that about half of those facing a sudden cardiac episode actually displayed an indicative symptom roughly a day beforehand. Interestingly, the symptoms vary between genders. Women primarily reported experiencing breathlessness, while men described sensations of chest pain and tension.
Dr. Sumeet Chugh, the leading researcher and notable figure in cardiac electrophysiology at the Smidt Heart Institute of Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, highlighted, “Yes, warning symptoms are associated with cardiac arrest, and these symptoms are sex-specific.”
Historically, the immediate nature of cardiac arrest has been a cause for concern since most of its victims, when outside a hospital setting, succumb within moments. Recognizing the early indicators could offer a crucial advantage in survival, suggests Chugh.
Cardiac arrest is typically triggered by heart rhythm disruptions, causing the heart to cease its function. This leads to a halt in blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Shockingly, Data suggests that cardiac events claim nearly 450,000 lives in the U.S. annually.
Detailed analysis of two community-driven studies revealed that half of the individuals who faced a sudden cardiac arrest manifested a significant symptom a day in advance. Notably, while men felt chest discomfort, women encountered breathlessness. The studies, conducted in Ventura, California, and Portland, Oregon, echoed similar outcomes.
Nonetheless, Dr. Chugh advises caution. While chest discomfort and breathlessness are crucial, they can be indicators of other medical conditions too. But when they manifest in someone with hypertension, diabetes, or known cardiac issues, the risks escalate. As technology advances, wearables and apps may aid in pinpointing those most susceptible to sudden cardiac episodes.
Chugh advises, “We have to combine other features with warning symptoms to help people understand if they are likely experiencing a cardiac arrest and need help right away.”
In case of sudden chest discomfort or difficulty in breathing, immediate emergency assistance should be sought, especially with a history of heart problems. If someone is seen collapsing, starting CPR immediately is crucial, as a delay of mere minutes can result in potential brain damage. The timely use of Automated external defibrillators (AEDs), now widely accessible, has proved life-saving for many, including known figures like Bronny James and Damar Hamlin.
This groundbreaking research was made public in The Lancet Digital Health journal.
Emphasizing the gravity of this study, Dr. Raman Mitra, a director at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., stated, “We think of sudden cardiac arrest as a person being perfectly fine and then collapsing, but there may be a way that we can identify these people earlier so that help can be alerted.
“If chest pain is new and associated with shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, passing out, sweating or nausea, seek medical attention.”
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