Cases of cardiac arrest have increased at an alarming rate in the past few years in India. Day in and day out, we hear the news of some celebrity or young person, often whom we know, passing away. Cardiac arrest continues to shock individuals of all ages from every walk of life, and mostly without prior warning. The causes need to be understood for us to know how to deal with this critical health issue.

The Upsurge in Cardiac Arrests

Sudden cardiac arrest is estimated to account for about one in every two deaths due to heart disease. A report by the Cardiological Society of India says that the incidence of cardiac arrest is likely to increase, surpassing available medical interventions unless effective strategies are implemented. Sudden cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating—one that can even be life-threatening. While any person may develop this condition, some risk factors predispose people to this problem more than others.

Some of these factors include:

An important element to note is that the following factors have contributed to an increasing number of cardiac arrests. Together they form a worrying trend: 

  • Stress: The fast pace of life in Indian cities inevitably leads to high levels of stress in both professional and personal environments due to pressure from work, finance, and family responsibilities. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and factors related to cardiovascular diseases. 
  • Obesity: India has seen rising obesity due to unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyles. Recent studies have found that 20-30% of adults in urban areas are classified as overweight or obese. The trend is also seen extending to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 
  • Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical activity has been largely diminished as technology has evolved. With the amount of hours spent in front of a screen, exercise and physical activity have become a rare commodity.

Heart Health: An Emerging Issue
Heart health is an urgent need of the hour. The main problem of people, as noted by cardiologists, is their lack of awareness about the importance of a balanced life strikes them when it’s too late. With heart disease rising in India, being proactive about heart health is essential. Other precursors to cardiac arrest include: 

  • Family History: A history of heart disease in the family increases an individual’s risk. 
  • Bad Eating Habits: The habit of consuming too much fast food increases bad cholesterol levels in the blood. 
  • Tobacco Use and Alcohol Consumption: Both significantly increase the risks of heart problems.

The Silent Killer: Cardiac Arrest

The scariest thing about cardiac arrest is its unpredictability. Unlike other progressive health complications, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur without warning, and most people are unprepared to respond appropriately. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, even persons who seem healthy. An estimated number of 2 lakh sudden cardiac arrests are witnessed every year in India, but the basic knowledge of intervention methods is found lacking. We need to impress upon people a very important concept: rapid actions save lives.

The role of CPR: a lifesaver

It is estimated that only about 2% of people in India are trained or have a proper understanding of how to administer CPR. This low awareness and lack of CPR training contribute to the high mortality rates from sudden cardiac arrest, which could be significantly reduced with timely intervention. Increasing CPR education and training is critical for improving survival rates in cardiac emergencies.

Every second counts whenever a person undergoes cardiac arrest. The sooner one receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation—or CPR for short—the higher their chance of survival, making it a crucial skill for everyone to learn. The American Heart Association says that CPR could double or triple survival rates in such emergencies, and it is important that people are trained in this lifesaving technique. 

While learning CPR takes just a few hours, it enables non-medics to take immediate action. All people should learn CPR—it’s a responsibility rather than a skill. When it comes to cardiac arrest, every second counts. Let me remind you that one must call the emergency services immediately.

How to Perform CPR
Here is a quick rundown of the CPR steps that anyone can remember:

  1. Start Compressions: Push hard and fast in the centre of the person’s chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  2. Clear Airway: Gently tilt the victim’s head back and lift their chin.
  3. Give Rescue Breaths (if you are trained): Give 2 breaths after every 30 chest compressions. If you are not comfortable giving breaths, giving continuous chest compressions is better than doing nothing.

Awareness and Education Requirements

It is the awareness that will help economies of the world fight the trend of cardiac arrests, which is alarming. Companies like HDFC Life want people to know about heart health reflexively. These include training workshops and other general articles on life-saving techniques like CPR. These are factors young professionals should keep in mind while taking a term insurance policy for the best possible coverage in cardiac cases. In this way, it secures stability for their family and also empowers them. The more people are taught about CPR and a healthy lifestyle, the better survival rates we can achieve in lethal emergencies.

Term plans such as HDFC Life’s Click 2 Protect Super offer a comprehensive solution for individuals and families who want to safeguard their financial future in case of critical health conditions, such as sudden cardiac arrests. This plan is designed to provide a financial cushion during life-threatening emergencies, ensuring that loved ones are protected even in the face of cardiac health challenges. For individuals aged 25-45, considering term insurance with critical illness coverage like Click 2 Protect Super can be a proactive step toward securing their family’s future.

To further drive awareness, HDFC Life is committed to educating the public about life-saving techniques like CPR through training workshops and informative content. CPR knowledge is vital—currently, only 2% of Indians are trained in this technique, and the company is working to change that by encouraging everyone to learn this life-saving skill.

Watch “The Missing Beat” campaign video to learn more about heart health and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones: Watch the Video Here

Prevention is best served

Like many health concerns, the best way to deal with cardiac arrest is by preventing it. A few simple changes in life will considerably reduce the risks: 

  • Eat healthier: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed food. 
  • Do not forget to exercise regularly. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. 
  • Stress Management: Activities such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help lower stress levels. Also, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. These measures include quitting smoking and limiting drinking to a bare minimum to protect your heart.

Cardiac attacks are on the rise in India, and it’s a reality we can no longer afford to ignore. It’s time people took responsibility for their health, from recognizing the early signs of heart disease to learning life-saving techniques like CPR. As we move forward, we must educate ourselves and our communities—because every person we empower brings us one step closer to reducing heart-related fatalities. Remember, a small awareness can save a life.

In addition to awareness, securing your family’s future is also important. HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Super offers a comprehensive solution, ensuring that your loved ones are protected even during unforeseen health challenges. Some of the best features of this plan include:

  1. Flexibility in Plan Options: Tailor your coverage with multiple options to choose from based on your unique needs, including Life, Life Plus, and Income Plus covers.
  2. Enhanced Coverage with Critical Illness Benefit: This feature covers up to 40 critical illnesses, including cardiac conditions, giving you the financial security to focus on recovery.
  3. Whole Life Coverage: With the option to get coverage up to 100 years of age, you ensure long-term protection for your family.
  4. Return of Premium Option: If you outlive the policy term, the plan returns all your premiums paid, adding a savings element to your protection.

Disclaimer:

This article contains sponsored content that may not reflect the independent opinion or views of FinancialExpress.com. Further, FinancialExpress.com cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of any information presented here. Please consult a certified financial advisor before making any decisions based on this article.