Jaspal Rana dies at 49: Causes and symptoms of cardiac arrest, what leads to cardiac rupture, how to keep heart healthy

Legendary shooter and coach Jaspal Rana was brought to the hospital in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack that had occurred three days earlier, according to Dr Balbir Singh, Group Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Pan Max.

"Mr Jaspal Rana presented with an acute heart attack that was already three days old. He had been travelling and continued to experience chest pain before arriving at the hospital in a very critical condition," Dr Balbir said.

Rana, who passed away on Friday at the age of 49, was initially stabilised by doctors but later suffered a fatal cardiac rupture. His sudden death has once again highlighted the dangers of delayed treatment for heart attacks and the importance of recognising early warning signs.

While terms such as "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference could save lives.

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What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. Unlike a heart attack, which is primarily a circulation problem, cardiac arrest is an electrical problem that disrupts the heart's rhythm.

When the heart stops beating properly, blood flow to the brain, lungs and other vital organs ceases almost immediately. Without urgent treatment, a person can lose consciousness within seconds and may die within minutes.

Cardiac arrest is considered one of the most serious medical emergencies.

What happens to the body during cardiac arrest?

The heart functions through a carefully coordinated electrical system that controls every heartbeat. When this system malfunctions, the heart may begin beating chaotically or stop altogether.

As a result, blood circulation stops, the brain is deprived of oxygen, the person becomes unresponsive, breathing stops or becomes abnormal, and vital organs begin to suffer damage within minutes.

Immediate intervention is critical because every passing minute reduces the chances of survival.

What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly and without warning. The most common signs include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, no normal breathing, gasping or abnormal breathing, and unresponsiveness.

However, some people may experience warning symptoms before the event, including chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fainting episodes, and unusual fatigue.

Not everyone experiences these warning signs, which is one reason cardiac arrest can be so dangerous.

Cardiac arrest vs heart attack: What is the difference?

Many people assume that cardiac arrest and heart attack are the same condition. They are not.

Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually due to a clot in a coronary artery.

Symptoms often include chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw or back, sweating, nausea, and shortness of breath.

During a heart attack, the heart usually continues beating.

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop pumping blood effectively.

Symptoms include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no normal breathing.

A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, but many cardiac arrests occur for other reasons.

Can healthy people suffer cardiac arrest?

Yes. Although cardiac arrest is more common among people with known heart disease, it can also occur in individuals who appear healthy.

Potential causes include undiagnosed heart conditions, genetic heart rhythm disorders, cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle), congenital heart abnormalities, severe electrolyte imbalances, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), and certain medications or substance misuse.

In some cases, the first sign of an underlying heart condition may be a sudden cardiac event.

Who is most at risk?

Several factors increase the likelihood of cardiac arrest, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, family history of heart disease, previous heart attack, and existing heart rhythm disorders.

The risk generally increases with age, but younger adults are not immune.

What should you do if someone suffers cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest requires immediate action. Call emergency services and seek medical assistance without delay.

Also, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until professional help arrives. Do that.

Use an AED if available - an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can analyse the heart rhythm and deliver a shock if necessary.

Continue until help arrives. CPR should continue until emergency responders take over or the person begins breathing normally.

Early CPR and defibrillation significantly improve survival chances.

Can cardiac arrest be prevented?

Not all cases can be prevented, but many risk factors can be managed.

Experts recommend regular health check-ups. Routine screening can identify risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels.

Staying physically active is mandatory. Regular exercise helps maintain cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors associated with heart disease.

Eating a heart-healthy diet is helpful. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats supports heart health.

Avoiding tobacco is important. Smoking remains one of the biggest preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. Hence, avoid stress as much as possible.

Getting adequate sleep is crucial. Poor sleep has been linked to increased risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders.

Pay attention to warning signs and seek help. Chest pain, unexplained breathlessness, fainting episodes and persistent palpitations should never be ignored.