Risks of Heart Failure: 7 Alarming Causes of Cardiac Arrest in Adults Over 50

Heart failure is a serious condition that affects millions of adults worldwide, especially those over the age of 50. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with the condition is essential for prevention and treatment.

Heart failure is a condition characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively to meet the body’s demands. It can develop due to several underlying causes, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy. Although symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and leg swelling are common symptoms, it is critical to understand that heart failure is not synonymous with a heart attack. Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with heart failure is important for prevention and management. Dr. Anand Ram Consultant, interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, shared several alarming causes of cardiac arrest in adults above 50.

7 ALARMING TRIGGERS OF HEART FAILURE IN PEOPLE OVER 50

1. Hypertension: A common cause of heart failure in people over 50 is hypertension, also called high blood pressure. Over time, the increased pressure on the arteries can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
2. Coronary artery disease: Another important factor is coronary artery disease, in which plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, reducing its ability to function properly.
3. Aging can contribute to heart failure because the heart muscle becomes less efficient and more susceptible to damage.
4. Congenital heart defects, which occur at birth, can lead to an imbalance in the formation of the heart and its chambers. This imbalance forces the healthy parts of the heart to put in more effort to compensate for the poorly functioning areas. Likewise, when abnormal heart valves are present, it causes certain parts of the heart to become overworked to compensate for the deficiencies, ultimately resulting in heart failure.
5. A previous myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a blockage forms in an artery that supplies the heart muscle. This blockage deprives the heart of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to damage to the heart’s muscle tissue. As a result, the affected heart tissue loses its ability to contract effectively, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
6. Heart muscle disorders such as dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or myocarditis can lead to heart failure. Damage to the heart muscle from various causes, such as substance abuse, infections, or unknown factors, increases the risk of developing heart failure.
7. Hyperthyroidism, characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, leads to increased body function and can put undue strain on the heart as it struggles to keep up with the increased pace. Other risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase the chance of developing heart failure after age 50.

Incorporating a heart-healthy diet is essential for addressing heart failure. Eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains to promote overall health and reduce the risk of complications. Limiting sodium intake is also critical because it helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure, both of which can worsen heart failure symptoms. Regular exercise not only strengthens the heart muscle, but also improves circulation and overall cardiovascular health. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga can help relieve stress and anxiety levels, which in turn reduces the strain on your heart. Controlling high blood pressure, sugar and high cholesterol is also recommended.