Ex-CM Of Delhi Sheila Dikshit Died Of Sudden Cardiac Arrest - An Overview About The Ailment!

Multiple cardiac arrests be the reason behind the sudden demise of former CM of Delhi Mrs. Sheila Dikshit at the age of 81. Her last breath on 20th July at 3:55 pm was at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, in Delhi. 

Certain cardiac arrests followed her way since a year or two now. Being well a day before and waking up with breathlessness was the initial symptom noticed by Sheila Dikshit on Saturday morning, after which she was admitted to Fortis. She was in critical condition with Cardiac Arrhythmia, said the doctor.

The unfortunate demise of Mrs. Sheila Dikshit has shaken the roots of Delhi. Many renowned politicians offered condolences on her demise. Current CM Mr. Arvind Kejriwal said Dikshit's death is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered.

Let's know more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest!

Blocked arteries stop oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart chamber and cause a heart attack. In case the blockage is not removed, it can kill the artery taking blood to the heart, which can stop the nourishment of the heart chamber. 

A heart attack may have immediate and intense symptoms, which initiate slowly and can last for hours to days in some situations. But in case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the heart stops beating at once. 

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (Arrhythmia)?

A sudden arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) complications faced by heart causing breathlessness due to an electrical malfunction of the heart is a reason behind Sudden  Cardiac Arrest. The interrupted blood flow to the brain, lungs and other organs makes a person unconscious and lose pulse. 

Causes of Cardiac Arrest -

• Ventricular Fibrillation - On inefficient pumping of blood by lower chambers of the heart called ventricles, leads to abnormal blood flow and finally no blood flow in the body causing a sudden heart attack. 

• Atrial Fibrillation - The upper two chambers of the heart called atria stops beating after an arrhythmia. The SA node (sinoatrial) located on the right atrium doesn't send proper electrical impulses, which regulates the flow of blood in the body. During atrial fibrillation, ventricles don't pump blood leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest -

1. Dizziness 

2. Shortness of breath 

3. Fatigue

4. Nausea 

5. Palpitation

6. Chest Pain 

7. Pulse loss

8. Sudden Collapse

Risks of Sudden Cardiac Arrest -

• Coronary Heart Disease

• Irregular Heart Valves

• Congenital Heart Disease

• Smoking 

• Obesity 

• High blood pressure 

• Family history of heart disease 

• Substance abuse 

Emergency treatment -

CPR in case of sudden cardiac arrest can be helpful as it aims at delivering oxygen-rich blood to all vital organs of the body before any other treatment can be initiated.