Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is claiming more lives in India and alarmingly, many of its victims are young and seemingly healthy. According to the Indian Heart Association, India accounts for 60% of the world’s heart disease burden. What’s worse, SCA among Indians in their 30s and 40s has jumped by 13%, as reported by the American Heart Journal.

Dr. Biju Govind, Senior Cardiologist at Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals, explains, ‘SCA is different from a heart attack. It’s a sudden failure in the heart’s electrical system, stopping blood flow to the brain and organs. If not treated immediately, it can be fatal.’ Key risk factors include post-COVID complications, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, and chronic stress. Lifestyle is a major contributor to long sitting hours, junk food, and high stress are damaging young hearts.

Warning signs may include chest pain lasting over 10 minutes, jaw or left arm pain, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath - especially in women. Even without symptoms, those with family history or high heart rate should be cautious. Dr. Biju advises annual blood pressure checks after age 18 and keeping it below 130/80 mmHg.

Simple prevention tips: Walk 10,000 steps daily Avoid red meat Practice yoga and meditation Keep cholesterol under control (total <200, LDL <100) SCA is preventable—but only if we act early.