Let’s discuss Heart conditions that can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart conditions that can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest
A cardiac arrest occurs because of irregular electrical signals in the heart, which leads to an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia) or a sudden stopping of the heart. In this situation, the heart cannot pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body, including the brain.
There are certain heart conditions that can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest:
- Coronary artery disease: Most instances of sudden cardiac arrest happen in individuals who have coronary artery disease. In coronary artery disease, the arteries get clogged with cholesterol and other deposits, which decreases blood flow to the heart. This can make it harder for the heart to direct electrical impulses smoothly.
- Valvular heart disease: This condition is a malfunction in the valves. A valve is like a curtain that allows blood to flow only in a single particular direction. It opens and closes according to the blood pressure. Leaking or narrowing of these valves can result in extending or thickening of the heart muscle. At this point, due to pressure caused by a leaking or narrowing valve, there’s a risk of building up an arrhythmia.
- Congenital heart disease: Sometimes, sudden cardiac arrests might be due to a heart condition that was present during birth (inborn or congenital heart disease). Adults who’ve had corrective surgery for a congenital heart defect still have a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Other possible causes of cardiac arrest include a clot in the lungs, a serious imbalance of potassium, magnesium, or other minerals in the blood, a drug overdose, or a blow to the chest and certain hereditary conditions which can cause arrhythmia.
Dr. Mahadevan Ramachandran, a cardiac surgeon with over 15 years of independent experience in the premier hospitals of Kerala. Currently working as Chief Consultant Cardiac Surgeon at the following hospitals:
Total Cardiac Care, Thiruvananthapuram
Cosmopolitan Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram,
Azeezia Medical College, Kollam
NIMS Medicity, Neyyantinkara
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