Can Cardiac Arrest Happen While Sleeping- Right Time to Get Cardiology Services
Sudden cardiac arrest is something that most of us are not aware of. It can happen at any time, even during sleep. Surprisingly, approximately 2000 young asymptomatic individuals aged Below 25 in the US die from sudden cardiac death each year.
Dealing with the condition is now more important than ever. Silent cardiac arrest can occur without any symptoms, adding more danger. Read the guide to learn how sleep can influence heart attack risk, the possible reasons, and the common signs.
How Sleep May Influence Cardiac Arrest Risk?
Sleep greatly affects the conditions of the heart. But do you have the faintest idea that it can increase the cardiac arrest risk? There are many factors behind it. So, knowing these factors is crucial to prevent them. Though, consulting cardiology services may help you with personalised guidance. But for now, let us figure out what the factors are.
● Electrolyte Imbalances
Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium play important roles in the heart’s functioning. However, an imbalance of these electrolytes can disturb the heart’s function and increase cardiac arrest incidence.
In some cases, the metabolic process alters the electrolyte level during sleep, perhaps leading to fluctuations that may harm your heart. Illnesses or even a lack of water may worsen these imbalances. That is why proper recurrent check-ups and following proper diet plans are mandatory. They assist in controlling the electrolyte level.
● Lower Heart Rate
When we rest, our heart experiences a slight variation in its rhythm. This is referred to as heart rate variability. It changes how the heart responds to various states. However, during sleep, this amount of variability can be reduced.
Less variability may suggest the heart is working hard to beat. This can lead to the occurrence of arrhythmias. Arrhythmias refers to the irregular heartbeats that affect the normal circulation of blood. In severe cases, they may cause a cardiac arrest.
● Increased Arousal
Getting enough sleep is necessary for everyone. However, not many people know that they may experience arousal at night. This happens especially when we have a good night’s sleep, which occurs for many reasons.
Stress, sleep apnea, or any change in the sleep cycle can cause these. When this happens, the body acts weirdly, raising blood pressure and heart rate. These fluctuations exert more pressure on the heart, worsening the cardiovascular system and increasing the risk of hypertension and cardiac arrest.
Common Reasons to Have Silent Cardiac Arrest
A silent heart attack can take your life, and knowing its common reasons is crucial. This will help you understand whether your life is at risk or not. So, let’s know!
● Inherited Heart Conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic illness that causes sudden cardiac arrest. It thickens the heart muscle, preventing proper blood flow. People may not realise they have this condition until it occurs. Genetic testing and routine examinations can lower the risk.
● Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular or abnormal heartbeats. It interferes with the normal rhythm of the heart. There are asymptomatic conditions, but they may cause silent cardiac arrest. The electrolyte abnormalities and existing cardiovascular diseases can be the main reasons behind it.
● Structural Heart Abnormalities
Abnormalities in the heart’s structure, like congenital disabilities, can restrict proper blood flow. That is why it can be one of the reasons for having a heart attack at night. However, getting cardiology services for early treatments and diagnosis can prevent the risk.
● Underlying Health Conditions
Diabetes and hypertension stress the cardiovascular system, weakening the blood vessels and heart. Because these conditions may not have apparent symptoms, silent cardiac arrest may be a possibility. Lifestyle modification and medication are required to control the risk.
The Common Signs of Having a Silent Heart Attack
A silent heart attack can occur anytime and is very risky. So, it is good to know about the possible early symptoms that warrant early medical attention.
● Mild Chest Discomfort: Many experience sharp chest pain. Other signs might be mild pressure, squeezing, or even feeling full.
● Discomfort in Other Areas: Any pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
● Shortness of Breath: It is among the early signs many experience.
● Nausea or Lightheadedness: It is possible to become nauseous or lightheaded or break out into a cold sweat.
So, if you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is significant. Early detection will help lower the risks.
When Should You Get Cardiology Services from a Reputed Healthcare Organization?
If you have the signs of a silent heart attack, as mentioned earlier, seek the best cardiovascular services. It includes mild chest pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, or nausea. However, always seek help from a good health facility. Early diagnosis could prevent potential cardiac arrest and keep your heart strong.
Prevent Silent Cardiac Arrest- Note from Cardiology Service Provider
With proactive care, you may prevent cardiac arrest during your sleep. So, let’s know how you can do that.
● Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Taking the food the doctor recommends and following an exercise regime strengthens the heart. Do not smoke and stay away from alcohol to lower heart complications.
● Manage Heart Conditions
The effective control of previous heart conditions can prevent the incidence of silent cardiac arrest. Take medicines and make the necessary lifestyle changes that your doctor advises.
● Follow-up Visit at Heart Care Center
If you visit a trusted heart care centre, you can identify problems and prevent disease progression, such as cardiac arrest, before it becomes noticeable.
● Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea can negatively influence the heart and may cause a silent cardiac arrest at night. Therefore, the right therapies are necessary to manage sleep apnea.
Conclusion
Sudden cardiac arrest during sleep is an alarming problem. However, it can be prevented with proper tips from cardiologists. Some measures can help minimise the danger of experiencing silent cardiac arrest, particularly at night.
If you have doubts about your heart, you should get the best cardiovascular services from Advanced Cardiovascular Center. Visit them and prevent yourself from having heart disease now.
FAQs
- What can be the main cause of sudden cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest occurs due to electrolyte issues. When the heart’s pumping stops blood circulation, the person becomes unconscious. Sudden cardiac arrest may also occur. It happens when cholesterol blocks the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- Can a healthy person have a cardiac arrest?
Yes, healthy-looking people are not immune from silent cardiac arrest while sleeping. An existing heart disease or many other reasons may cause this.
- Is there any way to prevent cardiac arrest at night?
A proper lifestyle, good cholesterol levels, exercise, and a balanced diet can prevent silent cardiac arrest. Proper control of other existing conditions, such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea, also forms part of prevention.
- Can you survive after having cardiac arrest during sleep?
The probability of survival after a cardiac arrest that occurred during sleep depends on the time of the treatment. CPR and early use of the defibrillator can improve the chance of survival.
- Can anxiety cause cardiac arrest?
Moderate anxiety doesn’t lead to a cardiac arrest. But severe anxiety tends to. So, you must seek a cardiology expert to address a higher level of anxiety.