How good lifestyle helps prevent cardiac arrestWhen one suffers a cardiac arrest, his or her heart stops beating suddenly. The pumping of blood to the body stops and if the beating of the heart isn’t re-started within few minutes, the patient will die. The problem is known as sudden cardiac arrest.

What causes sudden cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is not the same as heart attack that results from the death of a part of heart muscle due to blocking of blood flow to the particular part. When a heart has an electrical system problem, a cardiac arrest is inevitable. More often than not, the rhythm of the heart is not only too fast but also irregular and the problem is referred to as ventricular fibrillation. The problem leads to fast quivering of the lower heart chambers and are unable to pump blood. Cardiac arrest however occurs to people who had no idea that they have a problem with their heart. Other health problems are known to increase the likelihood of the deadly heart rhythm developing including coronary artery disease/ heart disease, heart failure, a heart attack and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which thickens and enlarges the heart than normal.
When these problems are treated, chances are that they can minimize the risk of one getting a cardiac arrest. The heart rhythm can often be controlled by medicine and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator may be given to some people. This device is placed in a person’s chest and helps check for any dangerous heart rhythm. When a heart stops suddenly or a dangerous rhythm is noted, the ICD helps in shocking the heart and helps normalize its rhythm. Catheter ablation is yet another non-surgical procedure for fixing a bad rhythm of the heart.

How is cardiac arrest treated?

A person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest might get help from health professionals, strangers, friends or family. They may either use an AED- automated external defibrillator or use CPR. The AED helps in shocking the heart and helps it regain a normal rhythm. You will often find these devices in malls, airports and many other public places. The device must be used within few minutes when cardiac arrest happens so that the person can be saved. Emergency care is given at the ambulance and health facility. This care aims at keeping the lungs and heart working to ensure that the body doesn’t suffer damages by lacking oxygen.

How you can prevent cardiac arrest

Living a healthy lifestyle will go a long way in keeping your heart healthy and strong. Ensure that you eat a diet that is heart healthy which should include high fiber foods, vegetables and fruits. Make sure that you exercise for not less than 30 minutes per day and quit smoking. People who smoke are at a great risk of suffering heart attack than those who drink. Finally, moderate your alcohol drinking and avoid taking illegal drugs.