A recent study has revealed that the symptoms of a cardiac arrest differ between men and women. The study, which analyzed over 1,672 cases, found that shortness of breath is the main indicator of an impending cardiac arrest in women, while men typically experience chest pain. Both genders also commonly reported palpitations, seizure-like activity, and flu-like symptoms.
Cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, leads to approximately 450,000 deaths in the US annually. Dr. Sumeet Chugh from Cedars-Sinai in California hopes that these findings will increase awareness of the warning signs of a cardiac arrest, enabling swift action to be taken. Shockingly, around 90 percent of individuals who experience a cardiac arrest at home do not survive.
A better understanding of the symptoms exhibited by men and women could help first responders quickly recognize the loss of heart function in patients of both sexes. Dr. Chugh believes that utilizing these warning signs for effective triage and immediate emergency medical intervention could prevent imminent deaths and revolutionize the approach to preventing sudden cardiac death.
The study utilized data from two existing studies conducted in California and Oregon, both designed by Dr. Chugh. The data included emergency medical services reports of cardiac arrest incidents witnessed by others, involving individuals aged 18 to 85 years old, between February 2015 and January 2021. The results of the study indicated that 50 percent of the 823 participants in the California study experienced at least one observable warning sign in the 24 hours leading up to the cardiac arrest. The Oregon study yielded similar findings.
In the study, researchers examined the prevalence of individual and combined symptoms prior to a sudden cardiac arrest and compared them to control groups who sought emergency medical care for symptoms that turned out to be unrelated. The results showed that for women, difficulty breathing was the only significant early warning sign of a cardiac arrest. In contrast, men experienced chest pain, difficulty breathing, and excessive sweating as potential indicators.
During a cardiac arrest, the heart’s normal rhythm is disrupted, cutting off oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This can result in unconsciousness and the potential for irreversible damage or death within minutes. Cardiac arrests typically occur when the electrical system of a diseased heart malfunctions. They should not be confused with heart attacks, which occur due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle.
Common causes of cardiac arrest include heart attacks, heart disease, heart muscle inflammation, drug overdoses, and severe blood loss. Restoring the heart’s rhythm can be achieved through the use of a defibrillator, which administers an electric shock to the chest. If a defibrillator is not readily available, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help circulate oxygen throughout the body.
The findings of this study were published in the Lancet Digital Health journal. It is crucial for both men and women to be aware of the distinct symptoms that may precede a cardiac arrest, as early recognition and prompt action can make a significant difference in saving lives.
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