Bollywood diva Sridevi passed away on Saturday night after suffering a major heart attack at the age of 54. According to her brother-in-law Sanjay Kapoor, she had no history of any heart condition.
The attack was apparently so severe that she collapsed and fell in the bathtub, where her body was found by her husband Boney Kapoor.
The beautiful and talented actress who stole our hearts with her Hawa Hawai and other legendary renditions of unforgettable characters had recently made a welcome comeback with power packed performances in English Vinglish and Mom.
So how did this healthy and very fit diva suddenly succumb to cardiac arrest? The biggest concern with a sudden cardiac arrest is that it is so sudden that you may not be prepared for it, or may not notice the signs at all.
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Sudden cardiac arrest
A sudden cardiac arrest is a condition when your heart suddenly stops beating. When that happens, the blood flow to your brain and other important organs gets interrupted. If there is no medical treatment within minutes, it can result in death.
Most people who suffer a sudden cardiac arrest do not have any prior symptoms or any known heart condition.
Can this happen at a younger age?
Sridevi died at the age of 54, which, by today’s definition, is not too old at all. She was seemingly fit and healthy. In younger individuals, a sudden cardiac arrest can happen as early as the late 20s.
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Are there signs that could indicate a problem with the heart?
A sudden cardiac arrest may not have very clear signs and symptoms, but make sure to speak to your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Fainting without any apparent reason
- A known family history of sudden cardiac arrest and death
- You feel short of breath
- You occasionally feel a heaviness or pain in or around the chest area
- You feel tired or sleepy even if you are well rested
What increases your risks?
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Your lifestyle has a very big role to play here. The risks of a sudden cardiac arrest can increase in case you:
- Are a regular smoker or substance user
- Have no or very less physical activity
- Have diabetes
- Stress a lot
- Are overweight or obese
- Are on weight loss pills or steroids
- Have very high levels of cholesterol
- Eat heavy and junk or processed foods
What to do if you are alone and have a sudden cardiac arrest?
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- Keep your nearest hospital’s number on speed dial. This can be a huge help in case you are alone and are suffering a cardiac arrest; you may still be able to dial the emergency number and ask help.
- Also keep a family member or friend’s number on speed dial. Try and say ‘help’ if you can’t speak.
- Sit down and do not try to move around. This could increase the risk.
A sudden cardiac arrest may or may not have symptoms, but following a healthy lifestyle will surely put you at a lower risk.
Read Also: What Is Cardiac Arrest, How Is It Different From Heart Attack
DISCLAIMER: While we have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared here; it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. it is important to first always check with your own doctor before trying any medication, practice or suggestion from this site.
