Krista Stevens: Don't fall victim to cardiac arrest. Take this advice for a heart healthy

Krista Stevens
Updated ·4 min read
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Knowing the difference between cardiac arrest, heart attack, and heart failure, and what to do when faced with one of these serious heart conditions, can save lives.
Knowing the difference between cardiac arrest, heart attack, and heart failure, and what to do when faced with one of these serious heart conditions, can save lives.

Have you or a loved one ever experienced cardiac arrest?

While different from a heart attack, both are scary events and time is of the essence for a person to survive.

I was 15 years old when my father suffered a heart attack.

Luckily, he made a full-recovery, but nonetheless it was traumatic.

I feel the best way to prepare yourself or a loved one for this type of experience is to become educated.

Today, we will break down cardiac arrest, exploring what it is, recognizing the signs and symptoms, how it differs from a heart attack, and most importantly, discovering ways to lower the risk of falling victim to its silent grasp.

Krista's previous three columns:

Time to meditate: Cultivating health, happiness through transformative power of meditation

H-2-Know: Everything you need to know about water retention and water weight

Get up and go: Here are several exercise options to get you off the couch and on your feet

Krista Stevens, Health columnist
Krista Stevens, Health columnist

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Imagine your heart as a well-trained athlete, working diligently to keep you in the race of life.

Suddenly, it stumbles, falters and comes to an abrupt halt.

This is cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing the organ to stop beating altogether.

Unlike a heart attack, where the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, cardiac arrest affects the entire heart, leading to an immediate cessation of blood flow throughout the body.

Signs and symptoms

Cardiac arrest rarely comes with a warning, but some subtle signs and symptoms may hint at its impending arrival.

The most common indicators include dizziness, sudden loss of consciousness and a complete lack of pulse and breathing.

Unexplained fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath might also precede a cardiac arrest.

It's essential to recognize these signs promptly and take immediate action to ensure the best chance of survival.

Understanding risk factors

While cardiac arrest may seem like a bolt from the blue, several risk factors could increase an individual's susceptibility to this life-threatening condition.

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. Here are some significant factors to consider:

  • Age and gender: As we age, the risk of cardiac arrest increases, with men generally at a higher risk than women.

  • Family history: If heart disease or cardiac arrest runs in your family, it's essential to be vigilant and adopt preventive measures.

  • Underlying heart conditions: Pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias or heart defects raise the risk of cardiac arrest significantly.

  • Substance abuse: The use of drugs, particularly stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines, can trigger cardiac arrest due to their impact on the heart's electrical system.

  • Smoking and poor diet: Smoking and an unhealthy diet contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.

  • Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity and weaken the heart muscles, increasing the likelihood of cardiac arrest.

  • Stress and mental health: Chronic stress and untreated mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can strain the heart and elevate the risk of cardiac events.

Lowering the risk of cardiac arrest

While cardiac arrest may seem like an insurmountable threat, there are several steps we can take to bolster our heart health and reduce the risk of this harrowing condition:

  • Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods, saturated fats and excessive sugar intake.

  • Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or dancing, for at least 150 minutes per week.

  • Don't smoke and limit alcohol: If you smoke, seek help to quit immediately. Additionally, moderate your alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can weaken the heart.

  • Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, yoga or spending time in nature.

  • Regular check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your heart health and address any underlying conditions promptly.

  • Learn CPR: Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make a life-saving difference in case someone experiences cardiac arrest in your presence.

  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest advancements in heart health, and be proactive in adopting healthy habits.

The heart is a resilient and precious organ, the cornerstone of life's symphony.

Let us listen to its subtle cues and harmonize with its needs. By being aware of the risk factors, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and actively taking preventive measures, we can work together to build a heart-healthy world and ensure that cardiac arrest no longer strikes fear into our hearts.

Embrace the rhythm of life, and let your heart play its captivating melody for many years to come.

Remember, your heart deserves an encore, so let's give it the standing ovation it deserves!

Krista Stevens in a graduate of the University of Florida. To find out more, see:

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Got questions? Contact Krista at Kristastevensemail@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Here are the signs, symptoms, risk factors of cardiac arrest