Let's clarify: why do people die suddenly without any clear signs, and what can be done to prevent this from happening to you or your loved ones?
Good health is the key to a long life
This topic was discussed with therapist Nina Litvinova from the "Fomina Clinic." She emphasizes that unexpected death is a real occurrence that happens every day.
According to the Ministry of Health, up to 250,000 people die suddenly from cardiac arrest in Russia each year. These cases often occur in people under 50, especially among men, where the incidence is twice as high. This often happens due to problems related to the cardiovascular system.
Main causes of sudden death
1. Sudden cardiac arrest
The most common cause is cardiac arrest. This can occur not only in the elderly but also among young people. The following conditions may lead to the heart stopping:
- Lack of oxygen in heart cells (myocardial infarction). The heart does not receive oxygen due to the blockage of coronary arteries. If the damage is extensive, death can occur instantly.
- Severe disruption of heart rhythm. Instead of circulating blood normally, the heart may start to function abnormally, which can quickly lead to death.
- Cardiomyopathy. Sometimes a person's heart shape changes due to congenital or disease-related factors: it may enlarge or thicken significantly. This condition may go unnoticed, but when the heart is under significant strain, it may not be able to cope.
2. Blood clots in blood vessels – a hidden danger
The second major cause of sudden death is blood clots. These can lead to the loss of fluid blood in the blood vessels (primarily in the leg veins). This is related to pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PAT), which can cause instant death if large blood vessels are blocked.
3. Stroke – a serious blow to the brain
If blood circulation in the brain is sharply disrupted, a person may lose consciousness and not regain it. Possible causes include:
- Rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke);
- Fragility of blood vessels due to injury or genetic issues;
- Sharp rise in blood pressure.
4. Breathing-related problems
Sometimes death occurs due to a person's inability to breathe. Possible causes include:
- Allergy (anaphylactic shock). A person's airways may become blocked.
- Obstructive sleep apnea. In this case, a person may stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping, which is life-threatening.
What should be done to prevent sudden death?
1. Check your heart
- Get an EKG every year after age 40, and every 2-3 years before that. If arrhythmia or other issues are detected, consult a cardiologist.
- If you experience chest pain or breathing difficulties, see a doctor.
- If you have hypertension, monitor your blood pressure.
2. Prevent the formation of blood clots
- If you are overweight, have varicose veins, or lead a sedentary lifestyle, consult a doctor about thrombosis prevention.
- Stay active! Prolonged periods of inactivity (such as working at a computer or long flights) increase the risk of thrombosis.
- If you have a history of thrombosis, check the clotting properties of your blood.
3. Monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Check your blood glucose levels every 3 years after age 40, and every 3-5 years before that.
- Regularly check your cholesterol levels just like glucose. If they are above normal, consult a therapist.
4. Monitor breathing problems
- If you snore heavily, check for sleep apnea. This can now be diagnosed at home using polysomnography.
- If you have a tendency to allergies, always carry antihistamines and hormonal medications with you.
Sudden death is often not random but occurs due to controllable causes. If there have been such cases in your family or if you belong to a high-risk group, you should consult a doctor.
Most importantly, regularly undergo medical check-ups and make health monitoring a habit!
