Sudden Death Syndrome: A Warning From The Heart
Published September 10, 2006
I follow articles about such depressing topics because I suffer CHF (congestive heart failure) and, they like to tell me, I am at extreme risk for SDS. They put an automatic defibrillator (with other junk) in my chest saying “...because you live in the jungle...”
However, I am not alone. People with previously known cardiac problems — heart attack, angina, rhythm disturbances, etc. — are at risk. People with high risk factors, such as age, smoking, obesity, and other “lifestyle” problems, also run a risk. And people (both sexes) face the risk that hidden problems might surface.
This week, though, a new report takes some of the fear away. It does not suggest there is less possibility of cardiac arrest. The study does show, however, that more warning signs appear before “sudden” death arrives. There is often time to get help.
This is another of my pleas for people to be aware that rapid action absolutely, positively, truly, really, definitely, incredibly, and without a doubt can save lives. Even yours.
WebMD reported on 8 September that “People May Have Symptoms 2 Hours Before Cardiac Arrest.” They reported on a new study that showed signs of cardiac arrest begin, on average, two hours before the actual attack. It also says that up to two-thirds of the victims have a history of heart disease. The symptoms of chest pain (angina) and breathlessness (shortness of breath -- known to paramedics as S.O.B.) are often recognizable and could provide a chance to get help before it is too late.
"Our study suggests," says researcher Dirk Muller, MD, PhD, of the University of Berlin, "that shifting the focus to educating high-risk patients and families may lead to earlier recognition, a quicker call to the emergency medical system (EMS), a higher percentage of bystander CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation), and thus," as the news release, continues, "to a higher probability of survival in patients with sudden cardiac death." The American Heart Association reports that over 300,000 people die yearly from heart disease — usually as a result of cardiac arrest. They die before they get to the hospital, at home or in the emergency room.
The Berlin study quoted used 406 cases of cardiac arrest out of about 5,000 responses for emergency medical treatment by a “mobile intensive care unit.” Seventy-two percent of the cases happened at home. The most common sign of impending attack was angina (chest pain) that lasted from 20 minutes to 10 hours. Furthermore, 106 of 352 had a cardiac history and 16 had previously suffered cardiac arrest. There was a median period of chest pain of two hours prior to cardiac arrest. I know first-hand how easy it is to deny horrible fears and ignore warning signs. I did it with the heart attack. But fast action — without fear of embarrassment or ridicule — is of the utmost necessity.
- Sudden Death Syndrome: A Warning From The Heart
- Published: September 10, 2006
- Type: News
- Section: Sci/Tech
- Filed Under: Culture: Education, Culture: Personal History, Sci/Tech: Health/Fitness
- Writer: Howard Dratch
- Howard Dratch's BC Writer page
- Howard Dratch's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
Good article.
Are these symptoms common to men & women - or as usual, do they pertain mainly to men? Please be aware, all my fellow BC-ers, that women present vastly differently from men, yet increasingly heart disease and cardiac problems are the foremost causes of death for women, usually overlooked because several studies show that women are not taken seriously nor are they treated as aggressively as are men.
Sorry about that; hit the wrong button.
Women's symptoms present differently: women tend more to nausea/vomiting, fatigue, back pain, and/or indigestion as symptoms, than the classic male symptoms listed in this article.
Nancy. Good point. Interesting question. I put "both sexes" but I really don't know the answer. It would seem that the literature tends to target men and their symptoms. Since I am one I suppose I took it for granted that symptoms would be similar.
This study doesn't note a difference but that is surely not an answer. Women take note!
Women can google "cardiac arrest symptoms women" and get a roster of websites that address the issue. Even doctors aren't sure what all women's symptoms are, since they tend to be so different, and as I said, can range from indigestion to back pain to all kinds of other weird presentations. Sorry - I didn't mean to denigrate your article, which is very on target.
Gonzo I mean Nancy....since "women present vastly differently from men" what are the symtoms for persons like yourself? You know with your "situation"?
Hmmm...let's see...what time is it in Spain right now? Oh, about 0540...that explains it; CR is still blissfully asleep.
As a nurse who has worked on cardiac units, you're (excuse the expression) dead on, Howard.
I worry a bit about you being out in "the jungle" with your AICD. You only get a couple shots with it! Having worked with cardiac transplants, I know how important it is for you to be close to emergency medical assistance. I mean, sure, you could call for help and get to a hospital in Mexico, but they aren't going to be able to give you the advanced care you absolutely need.
Just saying.
Excellent article. More people should get in the know about their health. Thanks Howard.
Thank you Doctor Pedlow - compliments from medical professionals are very comforting about my research.
I also received just now (late October) this comment on my own blog where I published a similar article from Michael who has a site DefibrillatorHub on the need and use of external defibrillators for home and public use.
He wrote,
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/52673)
Scary but important--thanks Howard!