The Silent Killer: Heart Attack, Heart Failure and Cardiac Arrest

The heart is one of the vital organs in the human body whose main function is to pump blood and maintain circulation of blood in the body.
Blood contains oxygen and nutrients. With the aid of the heart, oxygen and nutrients contained in blood gets to reach every tissue and organ in the body.

The heart is the only organ in the body that doesn't sleep until death and that is why we need to always take care of our hearts thereby reducing the risk of any heart attack or failure.

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Heart Attack

Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction occurs when there is a blockage in any of the coronary arteries. This blockage causes a reduction in the flow of blood to the heart muscle and often times, result in damage of the heart muscle thus, leading to a heart attack.

The commons causes onf heart attack include:

• Chest pain
• shortness of breath
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• pain or discomfort in areas like the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

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Heart Failure

Heart failure on the other hand occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs or when there is a build up of fluid in the lungs, liver and other parts of the body.

Symptoms of heart failure include:

• shortness of breath
• tiredness
• swelling in legs, ankles and feet
• rapid or irregular heartbeat

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Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly losses its function. In cardiac arrest, the heart abruptly stops working. This can lead to loss of consciousness or even result in death if not properly managed. Cardiac arrest can happen at any point in time even without prior warnings.

Major causes of cardiac arrest inclu8: heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms as well as other medical conditions like heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, or overdose of medication.

Commons symptoms:

• loss of consciousness
• no breathing or abnormal breathing
• no pulse.

I was promoted to pen this down just to create awareness on some of these silent killers (heart attack, heart failure and cardiac arrest)

I lost two great people to cardiac arrest just within two weeks. One was a fellow teammate. He had a cardiac arrest while on the field of play. He was pronounced Dead on Arrival (DOA) when he was rushed to the hospital to medical attention as there was no first aid in ground.
The other was a colleague at the office. She slumped last at the office which going about her normal duties. She was rushed to the hospital and placed on a life support. The medical team recommended a surgery be carried out. A fund raising was immediately initiated as the money involved was huge. She gave up the struggle after spending 5 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

I've seen and heard of a lot of people dying in their sleep. So just slump and die.

What do you think could be the cause?

Ensure you check the health of your heart regularly.

Exercise regularly and stay safe.