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Cardiac arrest: 8 crucial heart health lessons every woman should take from Shefali Jariwala's sudden death

The article titled "Cardiac Arrest: 8 Crucial Heart Health Lessons Every Woman Should Take From Shefali Jariwala's Sudden Death" from Moneycontrol.com delves into the tragic and sudden death of Shefali Jariwala due to cardiac arrest, emphasizing the importance of heart health awareness, particularly among women. The article outlines eight key lessons that women should learn from this incident to better safeguard their heart health.

Lesson 1: Understand the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

The article begins by clarifying the distinction between a cardiac arrest and a heart attack, a crucial piece of knowledge for everyone. A heart attack occurs when a blockage in one or more coronary arteries reduces or stops blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage. In contrast, cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. Shefali Jariwala's death was due to cardiac arrest, highlighting the need for awareness about this condition, which can be fatal if not addressed immediately.

Lesson 2: Recognize the Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

The article stresses the importance of recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrest, which can be subtle and often mistaken for other conditions. Symptoms may include sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, and loss of consciousness. The article emphasizes that women, in particular, might experience atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or back or jaw pain, which can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Lesson 3: Know Your Risk Factors

Understanding personal risk factors is crucial for preventing cardiac arrest. The article lists several risk factors, including a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. It also notes that women may have additional risk factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, which can affect heart health. The article urges women to be proactive in managing these risk factors through regular check-ups and lifestyle modifications.

Lesson 4: Prioritize Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring heart health and detecting potential issues early. The article advises women to schedule regular visits to their healthcare provider, including annual physicals and screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Early detection of risk factors can lead to timely interventions that can prevent serious heart conditions.

Lesson 5: Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

The article emphasizes the importance of adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium. Regular physical activity is also crucial, with the article recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Additionally, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress through techniques such as meditation or yoga are recommended.

Lesson 6: Be Prepared for Emergencies

Being prepared for emergencies can make a significant difference in the outcome of a cardiac arrest. The article advises women to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) accessible in their homes or workplaces. Immediate CPR and the use of an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival in the event of a cardiac arrest.

Lesson 7: Advocate for Yourself

The article encourages women to advocate for their own health by being proactive in discussing their heart health concerns with healthcare providers. Women should not hesitate to seek a second opinion if they feel their symptoms are not being taken seriously. The article highlights the importance of being assertive and informed about one's health, especially given that women's heart disease symptoms can be different from men's and may be overlooked.

Lesson 8: Spread Awareness

Finally, the article urges women to spread awareness about heart health and the risks of cardiac arrest. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, women can help others recognize the importance of heart health and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. The article suggests participating in community health initiatives, supporting heart health organizations, and using social media to spread the message.

In conclusion, the article uses the tragic example of Shefali Jariwala's sudden death to underscore the critical need for women to prioritize their heart health. By understanding the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack, recognizing symptoms, knowing personal risk factors, prioritizing regular check-ups, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, being prepared for emergencies, advocating for themselves, and spreading awareness, women can take significant steps to protect their hearts. The article serves as a poignant reminder that heart health is a vital aspect of overall well-being and that proactive measures can make a significant difference in preventing tragic outcomes like cardiac arrest.

Read the Full Moneycontrol Article at:
[ https://www.moneycontrol.com/health-and-fitness/cardiac-arrest-8-crucial-heart-health-lessons-every-woman-should-take-from-shefali-jariwala-s-sudden-death-article-13210475.html ]