Tragic news emerged as Ambareesh Murty, the co-founder and CEO of Pepperfry, passed away at the age of 51 due to a sudden cardiac arrest while in Leh. This shocking incident underscores the importance of recognizing the critical signs of cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition where the heart abruptly ceases to beat, resulting in a halt of blood circulation to crucial organs including the brain. This condition can stem from various underlying causes categorized into heart-related and non-heart-related factors.
Ambareesh Murty’s untimely demise has brought attention to the escalating instances of heart-related issues in younger individuals. Even physically active individuals like Murty, who was an avid biker, have fallen victim to sudden cardiac arrest, a heart ailment not commonly associated with younger adults in the past.
One significant challenge in addressing heart-related ailments lies in underdiagnosis and limited awareness of the disease. Detecting the signs of a cardiac arrest can greatly contribute to reducing fatality rates. Here are key indicators of a cardiac arrest that everyone should be aware of:
- Sudden Loss of Responsiveness: The affected person becomes unresponsive and fails to respond to stimuli or efforts to awaken them.
- Absence of Normal Breathing: Breathing stops entirely or becomes erratic, characterized by irregular and gasping breaths.
- No Pulse: When checking for a pulse at the neck (carotid artery) or wrist (radial artery), no pulse can be detected.
Numerous triggers can precipitate a cardiac arrest. Abnormal heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT) can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals and precipitate cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease, which narrows the blood supply to the heart, is another factor. Myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart defects can also lead to cardiac arrest. External factors like severe electric shocks, lack of oxygen due to water submersion, certain drugs (like opioids), severe blood loss, trauma, and low oxygen levels due to lung disease can all provoke cardiac arrest.
As the world mourns the loss of Ambareesh Murty, it’s imperative that individuals of all ages, particularly those with risk factors, educate themselves about the signs of cardiac arrest. Timely recognition and prompt action can make a significant difference in averting potential fatalities. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder that cardiovascular health should be a top priority for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
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