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Cardiac arrest, once seen as a sudden and largely age-related event, is now increasingly affecting people across all age groups, including young adults. Unlike a heart attack, which results from a blocked artery, cardiac arrest is the abrupt cessation of heart function due to electrical disturbances that disrupt the heartbeat.
The recent passing of actress and model Shefali Jariwala has once again drawn public attention to this silent and often fatal condition.
Understanding why cardiac arrests are becoming more common today requires a closer look at a complex interplay of modern lifestyle, medical, and environmental factors.
Lifestyle Habits Under the Scanner
One of the primary drivers of cardiac arrest is the sharp rise in lifestyle-related risk factors. Poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute significantly to heart disease. High intake of processed foods rich in salt, sugar, and trans fats leads to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all major precursors to cardiac events. The growing prevalence of sedentary jobs and digital screen addiction has compounded these risks.
Stress, Sleep and the Heart
Chronic stress, whether from work, financial strain, or social pressures, has a direct impact on heart rhythm and blood pressure. Coupled with insufficient or poor-quality sleep, stress can trigger abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which may lead to cardiac arrest. Increased reliance on stimulants like caffeine and energy drinks also heightens the risk.
Undiagnosed or Untreated Conditions
Many people suffer from silent heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy or congenital heart defects that go undiagnosed until it is too late. Some younger individuals may also have genetic conditions like Long QT Syndrome, which predispose them to fatal arrhythmias. Inadequate routine screening, especially among those under 40, means these conditions often remain undetected.
Environmental and Digital Age Factors
Air pollution has been directly linked to cardiovascular inflammation. Exposure to pollutants, especially in urban areas, increases the chances of stroke and cardiac arrest. Additionally, digital stress, from social media addiction to constant blue light exposure, can affect sleep cycles and cortisol levels, indirectly stressing the heart.
The Need for Prevention and Awareness
Experts stress that cardiac arrest is often preventable with early intervention. Regular heart screenings, adopting heart-healthy lifestyles, stress management, and community CPR awareness can make a significant difference. In a world where heart health is increasingly under threat from modern living, proactive care remains the strongest defence.
