Doctors caution about sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs due to malfunctioning of the electrical system of the heart causing the heart to beat at a very fast rate, which can result in a reduction or even complete cessation of its ability to pump any more, Dr. Suvro Banerjee, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, said at a cardiac arrest awareness programme today.
What makes the condition particularly unique, and therefore dangerous, was that the cardiac arrest leading to backout or death may happen all of a sudden, the prominent physician told a press conference here.
He said SCA often strikes people, who are unware of any possible symtoms and indications of heart diseases, and reminded that people who have had a heart attack in the past or have a history of premature, unexplained deaths due to cardiac arrest in the family or those with congenital abnormalities are especially at risk and should be evaluated without delay.

He was addressing the press conference as part of the awareness campaign by Apllo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, which has an information centre in the steel city.
Stating that former President of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam and Dempo's Brazalian striker Cristiano Junior had died of SCA, Dr Banerjee said Insertable Loop Recorder (ILR) and Electrophysological studies are some tests that can help us in this direction while an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) can help address the challenge of a SCA.
Asked about chances of survival due to SCA, he said it was only 5 per cent outside hospital.

He said the number of deaths due to SCA ranged between 2.5 lakhs to 4.5 lakhs per annum in US whereas we (in India) did not have any data regarding death caused by SCA.
The A leading healthcare services hospital in Eastern India, has taken initiative to raise awareness level among people of the steel city about the menace of which could prove fatal if ignored.