What Causes Young People to Have Heart Attacks?

Sudden cardiac death is the abrupt and unexpected loss of all heart function. There is a sudden stoppage of breathing and blood circulation, resulting in unconsciousness and death in seconds.

Sudden cardiac death and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are not the same. Whereas SCA is the abrupt loss of heart function caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, it is treatable with immediate medical attention.

Sudden cardiac death can strike ostensibly healthy young persons under the age of 35 years, and young males are more susceptible than young females. Inaccessible  genetic heart disease is a common underlying cause. A covert heart abnormality can make a young person drop dead when doing physical activity, i.e., competitive sport. Sudden cardiac death can take place, though, in the absence of effort.

The majority of student-athletes engage in sports every year without developing heart problems. Nevertheless, if you or your child have a predisposition to sudden cardiac death, seek advice from the best doctor to explore protection.

In case you or your loved one suddenly feel dizzy or have chest pain, arrange for a heart checkup today. Call us at +91 9667064100.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack results when an artery blockage stops oxygenated blood from entering the heart. Fatty deposits and cholesterol build up over time and develop into plaques within the arteries. When a plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot that blocks blood flow, resulting in a heart attack. This damages the heart muscle and can cause potentially life-threatening complications.

Also referred to as myocardial infarction, a heart attack is a condition that should be treated promptly. Treatment in the top-rated hospital for cardiology guarantees access to the latest equipment and high-rated cardiologists, thereby ensuring the chances of complete recovery.

How Common is Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People

Sudden cardiac death is more prevalent in the elderly with heart disease. However, it's also a top cause of death among young athletes. Studies estimate that one of every 50,000 to one of every 100,000 young athletes experiences a sudden cardiac death each year. This highlights the importance of regular heart screenings and preventive measures, such as identifying any underlying heart conditions that may put athletes at risk. Early detection and intervention, especially at a best hospital nearby, can make a life-saving difference in reducing this risk.

What Causes Sudden Cardiac Death in Young People?

Sudden cardiac death is usually an aftermath of arrhythmic activity of the heart. Abnormal and fast rate of the heart may hinder proper pumping of the heart. The most dangerous arrhythmic abnormality causing sudden cardiac death is ventricular fibrillation. There are certain medical conditions that are responsible for producing sudden cardiac death in young adults:
 

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – A genetic condition that results in thickening of the heart muscle, reducing the heart's ability to pump. It is the leading cause of sudden death in young individuals.

• Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) – A disorder of heart rhythm that may lead to irregular, rapid heartbeats. It may lead to fainting and, in the most severe cases, death. Long QT syndrome is either congenital (genetic) or acquired (due to drugs or disease).
  Other Heart Rhythm Disorders – Brugada syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are disorders that may trigger life-threatening arrhythmias.

• Blunt Chest Trauma (Commotio Cordis) – Sudden, severe blow to the chest during a contact sport has been known to impair the heart's electrical system and trigger immediate cardiac arrest.

• Congenital Heart Defects – Others have intrinsic defects of the heart or large arteries present from birth that result in impaired circulation and sudden death.

How do parents, coaches, and others determine if a child is or is not at risk for sudden cardiac death?

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) typically occurs abruptly, so its detection and prevention beforehand is of extreme significance. Even though the warning signs are not always evident, there are certain indications and risk factors that can warn you in advance of an impending heart condition. In the event that you or your known experience any of the following indicators, it is advisable to visit the best cardiologist in Noida to undergo a thorough heart check-up:
 

• Unexplained Fainting (Syncope): Fainting while exercising or engaging in physical activity may be a sign of an underlying cardiac abnormality. If this occurs on multiple occasions, it should not be dismissed.

• Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: Shortness of breath or chronic chest pain may be a sign of heart disease, but asthma can also be a causative factor. A proper health check-up will ascertain the cause.

• Family History of Sudden Death: Having a family history of sudden death raises the risk of developing the same heart conditions. If there has been a sudden cardiac death among first-degree relatives, talk to a medical provider about screening for inherited heart conditions.

Can Sudden Cardiac Death in Young Individuals Be Prevented?

Yes, in certain situations. If one is high-risk, a physician can recommend that the person avoid competitive sports to prevent undue strain on the heart. Based on the type of heart disease, medication or surgery is advised. Certain prevention steps are:
 

• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): An ICD is implanted in the chest and monitors heart rhythms. In case of a life-threatening arrhythmia, the ICD delivers an electrical shock to the heart to normalize heart rhythm.

• Utomated External Defibrillators (AEDs): AEDs are typically installed in athletic training facilities, schools, and public areas. They are intended for use during cardiac arrest to administer life-saving shocks. AEDs are easy to use and voice prompt, allowing even untrained responders to use them effectively.

Who Should Be Screened for Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Factors?

The necessity of regular screening of the heart, especially in young athletes, is a contentious issue among health practitioners. While there are studies positing that compulsory electrocardiograms (ECGs) in young athletes have the potential to detect risks early and thus prevent sudden cardiac death, there are fears:
 

• False-Positive Results: Certain tests may detect heart problems that are not fatal, causing undue anxiety and medical procedures.

• Overdiagnosis: Finding conditions which never will be serious issues can cause unnecessary limitation of lifestyle in young athletes.

• Despite these possible downsides, some experts still support routine ECGs in athletes and those with a proven familial background of heart disease for the sake of early detection of risk. Screening is greatly advised if you or a relative have a proven familial history of sudden cardiac arrest.

Apart from these, one must also know the cost of heart attack treatment since it can differ depending on hospital facilities, treatment methods, and post-treatment care. Medical consultation by a famous cardiology hospital in Noida provides early diagnosis and the availability of high-tech treatment.
 

It depends on the specific heart condition. If you are at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), take guidance from your physician prior to any form of physical exercise or sports. It may differ from person to person if they can exercise or engage in sports safely.
Full-contact sports are to be avoided if you have a medical device, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), implanted in your chest. A blow to the chest can shift the device and result in issues. Your physician will inform you what sports and activities are safe for you or your child and find a balance of staying active and maintaining your heart health.

Meet the Best Cardiologists for Heart Care at Felix Hospital

Felix Hospital has some of the top cardiologists in Noida, who provide world-class treatments with a patient-centered attitude. Our diverse team includes:

• Dr. Rahul Arora – An experienced interventional cardiologist with specialized knowledge in heart failure treatment and advanced cardiac interventions.

• Dr. Siddharth Samrat – An expert in the diagnosis and management of complicated heart diseases, with a focus on preventive cardiology.

• Dr. Virendra Singh – A veteran cardiologist with expertise in high-end cardiac care and a friendly, patient-oriented personality.

Fitted with the best technology and graded as Noida's top heart hospital, Felix Hospital offers end-to-end heart care tailored to each individual patient.

Get an appointment with our skilled cardiologists for early detection, preventive treatment, and customized heart care.

Conclusion

Sudden death of the heart in youth, although uncommon, is worth being concerned about. It is usually due to an unsuspected heart defect or an unexpected alteration of the heart rhythm. Although some are inevitable, life-threatening attacks can be averted with early diagnosis by regular checkups on one's health, the establishment of risk factors, and prompt medical intervention.

Parents, coaches, and youth athletes must be vigilant for signs like a sudden fainting, chest pain, or history of heart disease in the family. Preventive strategies in the form of screening tests, exercise and diet regimen changes, and medical devices like ICDs can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest substantially.

FAQs regarding Heart Health

Q-How does sudden cardiac death differ from sudden cardiac arrest?
ANS: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the abrupt loss of the heart's function in terms of its own rhythm, and sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the result if immediate medical attention is not received.
 

Q- Can someone who is young and has had no history of any symptoms have a sudden cardiac arrest?
ANS: Yes, in a few instances, hidden heart disease may go unnoticed, and the first presentation of distress can be an acute cardiac event, even in seemingly healthy children.
 

Q- Are young athletes more vulnerable to sudden cardiac death?
ANS: While uncommon, young athletes are perhaps more susceptible due to such things as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is triggered by vigorous exercise.
 

Q- What are the tests that can diagnose heart conditions that cause sudden cardiac death?
ANS: Tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress tests, and genetic screening can diagnose concealed heart defects.
 

Q- How good are automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at saving lives?
ANS: AEDs are very effective in re-establishing normal heart rhythm in the event of sudden cardiac arrest and greatly enhance survival rates if used early.
 

Q-Can lifestyle modifications lower the risk of sudden cardiac death in youth?
ANS: Yes, a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and stress management can lower the risk of cardiac conditions.
 

Q- Is sudden cardiac death preventable by drug or surgical treatment?
ANS: In most instances, drugs, ICDs, and lifestyle modification can control the risk and avoid life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.