MUSCAT: In recent years, there has been an increase in heart attacks among young people, which was previously uncommon for this age group. How can young people prevent these attacks, and what are the reasons that have made them more common in recent times? Dr Alya al Kindi, an emergency medicine specialist, describes sudden death among young people as being preceded by any major symptoms indicating the presence of a major health problem.
Dr Al Kindi said that parents, coaches, and those around young people can recognise the warning signs that may indicate the risk of cardiac arrest by following some important signs. These symptoms include fainting or feeling dizzy suddenly, especially during or after exercise, chest pain or shortness of breath, which may indicate a heart problem. A rapid or irregular heartbeat may also appear, in which the person feels that his/her heart is beating strongly or quickly. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion after doing simple tasks, along with swelling in the legs or ankles, may also be signs that require attention.
Dr Al Kindi explains that sudden heart attacks in young people can result from a variety of causes, including direct heart disorders and other factors. Among the most prominent of these causes are heart rhythm disorders such as ventricular fibrillation that causes the heart to beat irregularly and rapidly, which hinders the efficient pumping of blood. There is also hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease that causes the heart muscle to enlarge and leads to irregular heartbeats and sudden cardiac arrest, especially during exercise.
In addition, a heart attack can result from a blockage in the coronary arteries that feed the heart, or inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Causes also include aortic aneurysm, which can lead to aortic rupture and severe internal bleeding, in addition to stroke or pulmonary embolism that obstructs blood flow to the lungs. Some genetic problems such as Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome can affect the electrical signals in the heart, increasing the likelihood of sudden death.
The doctor explained that other factors can contribute to an increased risk of sudden heart attacks among young people. This includes excessive physical stress resulting from intense exercise, which may lead to sudden cardiac arrest, especially in individuals with undetected heart problems. Poisoning or drug abuse, such as cocaine, are also factors that cause heart rhythm disturbances and increase the risk of sudden death. In addition, stress and psychological stress play a role in increasing blood pressure and accelerating heart rate, which increases the likelihood of heart problems.
Dr Al Kindi stresses that preventing sudden heart attacks requires following a set of preventive measures that aim to maintain heart health and detect any problems in their early stages. These measures begin with conducting periodic medical examinations, including electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms and heart stress tests especially people who are doing strenuous exercise or having warning heart symptoms like chest pain or recurrent fainting or abnormal heart beating. The doctor should be informed of the presence of a family history of heart disease.
The doctor stresses the importance of following a healthy lifestyle, by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and refraining from smoking. It is also recommended to reduce stress and psychological pressure by learning relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. It is essential to avoid drugs and stimulants that may cause heart rhythm disturbances and increase the risk of sudden death.
In addition, controlling chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high sugar and high cholesterol play a major role in prevention.
Dr Al Kindi confirms that there is a lack of awareness among young people about heart health and the importance of preventive examinations. She calls for raising awareness through social media and organising awareness events in schools, universities and work places. She also stresses the importance of training individuals in first aid and the use of electric shock devices in public places, as these measures can contribute to saving lives.
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