Heart attacks are no longer a story for our grandparents. In India, they have become a major concern for people of all ages, even seemingly healthy and active individuals. With reports of attacks happening even during sleep, it is time we shed light on this silent threat. Let’s face it, the rise in heart attacks across the country is scary. But understanding why they occur is the first step towards protecting ourselves.
Why does sleep play a role?
During sleep, the body naturally enters a state of conversation. Heart rate and breathing slow down, and blood pressure drops slightly. This is a normal physiological response. However, for individuals with underlying heart conditions, this decrease in electrical activity can become problematic.
Here’s how sleep can influence cardiac arrest risk:
Reduced heart rate visibility:
A healthy heart exhibits a natural variation in its rhythm even at rest. This variability can be dampened during sleep, potentially increasing the risk of arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, that can lead to cardiac arrest.
Electrolyte imbalances:
Certain sleep disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea, can disrupt breathing pattern, leading to fluctuations in blood oxygen and electrolytes play an important role in maintaining proper heart function, and imbalances can contribute to arrhythmias.
Increased arousal:
While sleep is generally a restful state, some individuals experience periods of increased arousal during the night. This can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, putting additional strain on the heart.
What increases the risk for cardiac arrest while sleeping?
The increased risk of cardiac arrests may occur when an individual has any pre-existing heart conditions that include:
Coronary artery disease:
This condition occurs when the arteries carrying blood become narrowed due to plaque buildup can restrict the blood flow, and can increase the risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart failure:
When the muscles of the heart become weak it may be difficult to pump the blood normally, leading to low oxygen in the body during sleep.
Arrhythmias:
When an individual suffers from ventricular fibrillation or atrial fibrillation it can usually worsen during sleep leading to a cardiac arrest.
Congenital heart defects:
Congenital heart defects are the structural abnormalities that occur during the birth and can lead to disturbance in the electrical system of the heart, and this increases the risk of arrhythmias.
What are the common signs and symptoms of silent cardiac arrest?
While a silent cardiac arrest occurs you may not experience any symptoms as it usually happens during sleep, there may be some subtle signs that include:
- Unexplained weakness
- A racing heart
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Constant feeling of suffocation
It is important to remember that these signs may also be due to certain underlying conditions and seeking an accurate diagnosis is important. Reach out to the best heart specialist in Coimbatore in case you are dealing with any of these symptoms.
At what time of the night usually cardiac arrests occur?
We all are aware that cardiac arrests can be scary, but did you know they seem to have a favorite time to strike? Many studies have found a surprising trend, a spike in heart attacks and sudden fatality in the early morning hours, particularly between 3 and 4 am. But why such a specific time window? The answer may lie in the world of the human body’s natural rhythm and hormones.
What are the preventive measures to be taken for a healthy sleep and reduce the cardiac arrest risk factors?
There are several measures you can take to reduce the risk of cardiac arrests during sleep. Although it is important to understand that cardiac arrests cannot be prevented completely as they are caused due to genetic factors as well. Few preventive measures include:
Maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight are the ideal tips to follow while looking to achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Managing any existing heart conditions:
In case you have been diagnosed with any existing heart conditions then it is important to manage them effectively especially high blood pressure.
Sleep apnea treatment:
If diagnosed with sleep apnea, using a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can significantly improve oxygen levels during sleep and reduce the risk of complications as sleep apnea and sudden cardiac arrest are highly related.
Regular checkups:
Schedule regular doctor visits to monitor your heart health and identify any potential risks early on.
Can a healthy person experience cardiac arrest?
Even those without a history of heart disease are susceptible to sudden cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease is one of the heart conditions that can result in sudden cardiac arrest. If the heart’s arteries fill with deposits of cholesterol and other materials, the heart’s blood flow may be reduced and sudden cardiac arrest may result.
Can you survive a cardiac arrest in sleep?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating all of a sudden. Within minutes sudden cardiac fatality can occur if no medical help is provided at the right time. The simple fact that emergency medical assistance typically arrives too late during sleep increases the risk of fatality.
Can a cardiac arrest wake you up at night?
It is highly possible to be able to wake up from sleep once cardiac arrest occurs as there are certain symptoms it can cause. But few people may misdiagnose it leading to fatalities.
Important Takeaway:
Cardiac arrest during sleep is a serious concern, but it can be prevented effectively. By understanding the risk factors, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, and addressing underlying conditions can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac arrests especially at night. In case you are facing concerns regarding your heart health, reach out to the best cardiac hospital in Coimbatore.
