Sudden Cardiac Arrest, how Michael died?

June 28, 3:15 PMPhoenix Women's Health ExaminerAngela Bowen

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Mourning the loss of King of Pop, Michael Jackson, a likely victim of heart failure at age 50 in Singapore.  AP Photo/Wong Maye-E.  

In a week of tragic and untimely celebrity deaths, there has been a lot of attention given to some diseases that may otherwise go unnoticed.  Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States and women are as equally susceptible as men.

Expert opinion in the case of Michael Jackson is leaning toward sudden cardiac arrest as a cause of death, though confirmation will not be available for several weeks.  With rumors circulating of Demurol and morphine treatments as a result of pain killer addiction, this is a highly plausible theory.

What is Heart Attack?

1.1 million Americans will suffer a heart attack this year and well over 400,000 will be fatal.  200,000+ deaths will occur within an hour of the first signs and symptoms. 

Heart attack occurs when the heart (which is a big muscle) does not receive enough blood itself, causing parts of the cardiac muscle to die.  Heart attacks are most often cause by a plaque blockage that has ruptured, resulting in a clot which blocks blood flow. 

Signs of Heart Attack

Everyone has seen the classic and dramatic grasping of the left side of the chest, gasping for breath and grimacing in pain depiction of heart attack.  Most signs, particularly in women, tend to be much more subtle and progressive.

·         Neck, jaw, upper body, abdominal and/or shoulder pain and discomfort

·         Shortness of breath

·         Heart Burn

·         Sweating

·         Unusual fatigue

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Sudden light headedness

·         Unexplained or unusual fatigue

·         Anxiety

·         Chest pressure

Any signs of heart attack or difficulty breathing should immediately be addressed by calling 9-1-1 for emergency attention.  By calling an ambulance, you are ensured the best and most immediate care as well as being seen much more quickly in the emergency room.  It is absolutely vital that heart attack be treated as soon as possible to minimize the amount of damage to the heart to improve quality of life after the heart attack and survival chances.  Delay = Death! 

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest is a more specific heart condition in which the electrical signals to the heart become completely stalled and the heart ceases to have a functional “beat”.  The cause of sudden cardiac arrest can be linked to previous heart attack but often appears in otherwise healthy and symptomless people.  Sedatives and other medications which alter breathing can cause events as well.  Unfortunately 95% of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die and many of those deaths are within minutes.

Symptoms and Emergency Procedures

If an automated external defribulator (AED) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are administered within a minute of collapsing, the chances of survival are close to 90%.  For every minute that the heart is not beating as a result of sudden cardiac arrest, the chances of survival drop 10%.  Most of us do not have an AED in the home, but can be certified in CPR and first aid.  It is again important to first call 9-1-1 to ensure that help is immediately dispatched. 

The most common symptom of sudden cardiac arrest is fainting and lack of heartbeat.  Occasionally, victims will experience racing heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness up to an hour before arrest occurs.  These symptoms are very similar to heart attack and should never be ignored! Again, immediately call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.  

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for heart disease of all types.  It is important to seek regular medical exams

·        Mental stress and depression

·         Metabolic Syndrome

·         Low Estrogen after menopause

·         Previous heart attack

·         High blood pressure

·         High Cholesterol

·         Diabetes

·         Smoking

·         Obesity

·         Family history of heart disease

·         Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)

·         Drug abuse, overdose or misuse

·         Alcoholism

Prevention

Firstly, begin monitoring for heart disease and risk factors in your mid to late 20’s.  That’s a little early, right?  Think again.  Heart disease is the third leading cause of death in women 25-44, second leading cause of death in women 45-64 and leading cause of death in women over 65. 

·         Control blood pressure

·         Stop smoking

·         Exercise regularly

·         Maintain a healthy weight

·         Lower LDL cholesterol

·         Antioxidants (not scientifically proven)

·         Folic acid and B vitamins (not scientifically proven)

Information care of and more information available from:

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Mayo Clinic

MedicineNet

American Heart Association

WebMD