Incidence of Cardiac Arrest in Youngsters: A Warning Sign for Lifestyle Modification

Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are illnesses that are not transmissible and cannot be contracted through touch, droplets, or airborne transmission.[1] Examples of NCDs include cardiac conditions such as cardiac arrest, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, as well as endocrinological disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. In the present era, both communicable diseases and NCDs are on the rise in both the Indian and global populations [Figure 1].[2] The primary factor contributing to the increased prevalence is the shift in lifestyle. Thakkar N and their team wrote a review on sudden cardiac arrest in low- and middle-income countries.[3] We have to add some points regarding the increasing cardiac death in youngsters.Figure 1: Disease burden from non-communicable diseases by age during 1990–2019 measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)[ 2 ] Figure and Data obtained from Disease Burden from Non-communicable Diseases by Age [Internet] [cited 2024 Mar 11]. Available from: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/disease-burden-from-ncds-by-age?country=IND~USAIn the 20th century, the prevalence of these diseases was lower.[1,2] During that period, communities adhered to a lifestyle characterized by increased physical activity, minimal use of machinery for daily tasks, and healthy dietary practices. Consequently, human health was robust, and life expectancy exceeded that of the current era. Unfortunately, with technological advancements and the introduction of machinery, physical activity levels have declined.[3] Dietary habits have also shifted toward the consumption of junk/fast food and processed items, reducing the intake of nutritious, homemade, and freshly prepared meals. These modifications in diet and physical activity have led to a lack of habitual engagement in activities such as weight lifting, running, and intense exercise. Consequently, there is an elevated risk of NCDs such as hypertension, cardiac arrest, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.[1,4] In the past 2–3 decades of adopting a modified lifestyle, engaging in sudden intense exercise has been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Unlike earlier times when cardiac arrest was predominantly considered a disease of old age (occurring after 50/60 years), the incidence of cardiac arrest has now been observed in individuals below the age of 40 years. This significant shift became apparent in the last 2 months, with reports of sudden deaths among young individuals due to cardiac arrest during physical activities.[5] Some media outlets suggested potential links to complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID), or COVID-19 vaccines. However, subsequent research organizations have refuted these claims, dismissing them as unfounded rumors.[6] As widely acknowledged, the surge in these incidents is a consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle adopted by our community.[7] The transition from a healthy to an unhealthy lifestyle has been a prevalent trend. To restore our health, a return to a healthier lifestyle is imperative. While many have initiated these modifications, a sudden and drastic shift in lifestyle can potentially lead to an increase in mortality cases. The key is to make gradual changes, transitioning from an unhealthy to a healthy lifestyle step by step. For instance, embarking on a fitness journey at the gym does not entail starting with 2–3 hours of exercise on the first day; instead, strength should be built progressively, moving from smaller to larger amounts. Achieving strength and gradual improvements will undoubtedly contribute to a healthier lifestyle, a process that may span over 2–3 decades. Transforming the lifestyle of an entire community is undoubtedly challenging, but we remain confident that our concerted efforts will lead to a happier and healthier life for all. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.