Driver dies while driving, what causes this?

 Driver dies while driving, what causes this?

Fat and cholesterol accumulate in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart for years, forming a 'plaque'. At some point, when that plaque ruptures, blood clots there and blocks the blood vessel.

Driver dies while driving, what causes this?

Bagmati Pradesh 03-001 Ja 1124 electric microbus was on its regular journey from Narayangadh to Birgunj. There were 14 passengers on board the microbus. For them, that day was like any other. Some were busy on their mobile phones. Some were looking out the window. Some were in a hurry to reach their destination. .

55-year-old Chandra Bahadur Budhathoki was steering the microbus. He himself will never be able to say whether his chest felt heavy, whether he had difficulty breathing, or whether his heart was beating uncontrollably.

But one thing was remembered by many present there, he did not let go of the steering wheel until the last moment.

The lives of the passengers in front were at stake. They prioritized the safety of the passengers over their own physical pain. Without creating any hurry or panic, they safely took the micro to its destination. They stopped the vehicle. Only then did his body leave him.

Although the passengers and locals took him to the hospital, the doctors declared him dead.

According to initial information, the cause of his death is said to be a heart attack. But due to the restraint he showed until the last moment, all 14 passengers in the micro remained safe.

The incident of a healthy person, looking healthy, walking, working person losing his life in a few minutes is not new. Such incidents do not only happen on the street, but also in the office, at home, in the gym, at weddings, at the playground, and sometimes even in his sleep.

The families of many people who die suddenly repeat almost the same sentence, ‘He left the house smiling in the morning. There was no major illness. He had eaten and gone to work.’

How does a person suddenly die of a heart attack?

Chandra Bahadur Budhathoki, who was declared dead, may have suffered a ‘silent heart attack,’ says cardiologist Dr. Ashok Shrestha. According to him, not all heart attacks are the same. In some cases, patients experience clear symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, or difficulty breathing. But in some patients, serious damage occurs inside the heart without any specific signs.

Such a condition is called a ‘silent heart attack’ in medical language.

In a ‘silent heart attack,’ the patient may only feel general fatigue, bloating, indigestion, or mild discomfort in the chest. That is why many ignore it, considering it a normal problem,’ says Dr. Shrestha.

According to him, fat and cholesterol accumulate in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart for years and form ‘plaques.’ At some point, when that plaque ruptures, blood clots there and the blood vessel closes. Then the heart muscle stops getting oxygen.

If this process occurs in a large area, the heart's pumping ability weakens. Then the electrical system that controls the heartbeat can break down. The heartbeat becomes very irregular or the heart itself can stop. This condition is called cardiac arrest.

'When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen does not reach the brain. The patient becomes unconscious within a few seconds. Permanent brain damage begins within 4 to 6 minutes. Death can occur if immediate treatment is not received,' he says.

What is not visible from the outside is the biggest risk

According to Dr. Shrestha, the biggest challenge of a silent heart attack is that it does not allow the patient to become aware in time.

Some people go to the office regularly, drive, exercise and consider themselves completely healthy. But the disease may have been developing in their heart blood vessels for years.

Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, mental stress, irregular lifestyle and increasing age increase this risk further, he says.

‘If these risk factors are present in a single person, the plaque can rupture at any time. Then, within a few minutes, a person who is in a normal state can reach a life-threatening state,’ says Dr. Shrestha.

Sudden death is not only caused by a heart attack

According to experts, sudden death can also occur in serious conditions such as cardiac arrest, stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Many times, such problems develop inside the body for years, but there are no clear signs outside.

‘Sudden unconsciousness is not only a heart attack. In some cases, stroke can also be the cause,’ says neurologist Dr. Rajiv Jha.

According to him, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is blocked or ruptures. If a vital part of the brain is affected, the patient can become unconscious within minutes.

Not all patients with a stroke die suddenly. But if there is a large hemorrhage, excessive swelling in the brain or the brainstem is affected, the situation can become very serious.

“Some patients show symptoms such as inability to speak, inability to move one arm or leg, facial drooping or loss of balance. But in a severe stroke, the patient may suddenly faint. Therefore, such a condition cannot be dismissed as normal weakness,” he says.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Dr. Jha says that subarachnoid hemorrhage in the brain is one of the main causes of sudden death in an otherwise healthy person. Hundreds.

Dr. Jha, who has successfully treated cases of aneurysm, says that it usually occurs when an aneurysm, a balloon-like bulge, ruptures in a blood vessel in the brain.

Most people may have had such an aneurysm from birth or for a long time, but they live a normal life without showing any symptoms. “As soon as the aneurysm ruptures, blood spreads into the subarachnoid space around the brain. This increases the pressure inside the brain within seconds and the patient may suddenly experience unbearable headaches, unconsciousness, or even instant death,” says Dr. Jha. According to him, many patients die on the way or at home due to not reaching a specialist hospital in time.

The first few minutes can save lives

Sudden cardiac arrest or a person becoming unconscious does not mean that the opportunity for treatment is over. On the contrary, according to doctors, the first few minutes are the most critical time between the patient’s life and death.

Cardiologist Dr. According to Madhav Bista, after a cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood. Then oxygen stops reaching the brain. If no treatment is started within four to six minutes, permanent brain damage can begin.

He says, “In such a situation, you should not just wait for an ambulance. If the patient is not breathing or does not appear to have a heartbeat, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately. Timely CPR maintains some blood flow to the heart and brain, which significantly increases the patient’s chances of survival.”

How to give CPR?

1. Start CPR by checking if the patient is breathing.

2. Lay the patient on a hard and flat surface and place your hand on the center of the chest. Place the palm of one hand on top of the other and straighten the elbow.

3. Press the chest firmly and quickly. At a speed of 100-120 times per minute, allow the chest to fully return after each compression to a depth of about 5-6 centimeters.

4. If you are trained, give 2 chest compressions followed by 30 chest compressions. If you are not trained, continuous chest compressions are also effective.

5. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, use it immediately. Apply pads according to the device's instructions and deliver an electric shock if necessary.

6. Continue CPR until an ambulance arrives, the patient regains breathing or consciousness, or until a health worker takes over. Continuous CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and heart and increases the patient's chance of survival.

‘The diet our ancestors ate did not increase obesity’

 ‘The diet our ancestors ate did not increase obesity’

Currently, social media is flooded with health, weight loss tips, and diet-related content.

‘The diet our ancestors ate did not increase obesity’

Nutritionist Modnath Poudel mentioned that weight loss alone is not an indicator of health, but a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and a healthy lifestyle should be the main priority.

Rather than following the propaganda in the name of weight loss on social media, he said that attention should be paid to expert advice and a diet based on scientific evidence.

Nowadays, healthy lifestyle, weight control, and diet-related topics are widely discussed from social media to households. Many people are following various diet plans, supplements, slim teas, and online advice with the aim of losing or gaining weight.

What is really needed to stay healthy? Is weight loss the main indicator of health? Is all the advice given on social media trustworthy? Focusing on these topics, online journalist Sumitra Luitel spoke to nutritionist Modnath Poudel. Here is an edited excerpt from the conversation with Poudel:

Is weight loss the main indicator of health?

A person should first aim to become ‘healthy’, not ‘fat’ or ‘thin’. The attitude towards the body has been changing in society over time. While obesity was once considered a sign of wealth, now there is a growing tendency to view obesity as a disease or weakness. However, health is more important than body size.

If a person is healthy, his or her weight, height, and physical structure are more likely to be naturally balanced. Therefore, before losing or gaining weight, one should adopt a diet and lifestyle that keeps the body healthy.

Traditional Nepali Food: Is it the basis of a balanced diet or not?

The traditional and local foods eaten in Nepali society are naturally balanced. Taking dishes like Thakali as an example, traditional food has a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, and other nutrients.

Also read

How many steps should you walk daily to prevent weight gain?

The food eaten by previous generations did not cause obesity or malnutrition. But now, as food options increase, people are becoming more confused. With the introduction of new food items, processed foods, and genetically modified (GMO) foods in the market, confusion about what to eat and what not to eat has increased.

For lunch and dinner, you should prioritize your traditional and body-accepted food as much as possible. Breakfast should be adequate, nutritious, and balanced. If breakfast and main meals are organized, some weaknesses in snacks in between will not have a big impact.

Is the same diet suitable for everyone?

Everyone's body is different. Even among members living in the same family and eating the same food, some gain weight while others lose.

The main reason for this is the difference in the body's metabolism, digestive process, health condition, age, hormones and lifestyle. For example, metabolism may be slow in people with thyroid. But metabolism may also be slow in people without thyroid for various reasons.

Therefore, it is not scientifically correct to cut down on food or adopt someone else's weight loss method just because you have gained weight. First of all, it is necessary to find out the root cause of weight gain or loss.

What is the concept of 'Food is Medicine'?

'Food is Medicine' is the concept of 'using food as medicine'. Its main message is not to depend on medicine only after getting sick, but to prevent disease and promote health through proper nutrition in daily life.

According to the World Health Organization, many non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc., are directly related to diet and lifestyle.

For example, antioxidants found in fruits and green vegetables help fight free radicals that damage the body. Fish, chia seeds, and walnuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help improve heart health.

A healthy diet can help control many health problems. But that doesn’t mean making food a substitute for medicine. For example, eggs are an excellent source of protein. But not everyone’s body digests eggs the same way. You may need to change your eating habits if you’re sick. So just because a food doesn’t work for someone doesn’t mean it’s bad for everyone.

Diet advice on social media: How much should you trust?

Social media is flooded with health, weight loss, and diet-related content. While some content is scientifically based, most content is created for personal experience, business gain, or popularity.

When looking at any health-related material, the first thing to do is to evaluate who the person is presenting it to, what their expertise is, and whether the information they provide is based on scientific evidence.

A cardiologist can give advice on heart issues, a hormone specialist can talk about hormone issues. Similarly, a dietitian can talk about nutrition. The role of a dietitian and nutritionist is important. Advice given by an expert in one field on another field should also be critically evaluated.

How true are the claims of Slim Tea, Garcinia Cambogia and miraculous weight loss?

Nowadays, products such as Garcinia Cambogia, Slim Tea, Slimming Coffee are being widely promoted on social media and in the market. These products claim to reduce weight quickly.

But no single food or drink can make a person thin or fat. Body weight is the result of the overall lifestyle, diet, sleep, physical activity, mental health and biological state.

If someone starts to eat less by drinking Slim Tea, they may lose weight for a while. But that is not a healthy way. It can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weakness and other health problems in the long run.

A balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are the only sustainable ways to control weight. No ‘magic’ product or ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution can provide a long-term solution.

Do doctors and dietitians play different roles?

Both doctors and dietitians aim to improve the health of patients, but their scope of work is different. While doctors diagnose, test, and administer medications, dietitians help improve health and manage diseases through nutrition. Therefore, it is not appropriate for a dietitian to try to stop medication or replace a doctor's treatment regimen.

Similarly, it is more effective for a doctor to collaborate with a dietitian when necessary rather than providing detailed nutritional advice. Multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary for the patient's well-being.

What should be done to get rid of the misconceptions spread in the name of losing weight and improving health?

The biggest challenge today is the growing confusion among people. Due to social media, advertising, and incomplete information, people sometimes try to completely avoid a certain food, and sometimes they consider a certain food to be a miracle solution.

In fact, the basis of health is a balanced diet, adequate sleep, regular physical activity, stress management, and eating according to individual needs. Not one diet, one medicine, or one solution is suitable for everyone.

Therefore, there is an increased need to prioritize scientific evidence, qualified expert advice, and the needs of one's body over the myths spread in the name of weight loss or health improvement.

Can you eat chicken after bird flu? 5 Q&A with an expert

 Can you eat chicken after bird flu? 5 Q&A with an expert

The occasional outbreak of bird flu in different parts of the country has increased concern and confusion among consumers. As soon as the news of an infection being confirmed in a farm is made public, the same question arises in the minds of many people, is it safe to eat chicken now?

The answers to these questions are as follows:

1. How does bird flu spread to humans? Who is at higher risk?

Bird flu can be transmitted to humans through the feces, saliva, feathers, or body fluids of infected birds. People who work on farms, slaughter chickens, handle dead birds, or clean infected cages are especially at risk. The virus can also enter the body by mixing with contaminated dust or air.

However, there is no disease that can be easily spread from person to person yet.

2. Can you eat bird flu-infected chicken?

If it is cooked well, the virus cannot survive, which does not pose a risk of infection. However, raw or undercooked meat remains a risk.

The virus is inactivated at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. Therefore, there is no need to worry if meat and eggs are cooked well. However, it is necessary to wash hands with soap and water after touching raw meat, separate raw and cooked food, and pay attention to hygiene in the kitchen.

However, according to international public health standards, it is considered risky to allow infected animals to enter the food chain. If infection is confirmed according to the standards, chicken meat is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, even if the virus is likely to be destroyed, it is not recommended to eat infected chicken meat.

According to international public health standards, it is considered risky to allow infected animals to enter the food chain. If infection is confirmed according to the standards, chicken meat is not suitable for consumption.

3. How to recognize chickens with bird flu? What do they look like?

Sudden death of many chickens, reduced feed intake, lethargy, reduced egg production, difficulty breathing, or swollen heads are the main signs of bird flu. If such symptoms are observed, the veterinary service office should be immediately reported. Hiding the infection can increase the risk.

4. How can chickens with bird flu reach the market?

Under normal circumstances, government agencies take control of chickens in areas where the infection has been confirmed and arrange for their destruction. In addition, surveillance is increased in such areas and sales and distribution are prohibited.

However, in some cases, due to lack of information, negligence, or attempts to reduce financial losses, there is a risk of hiding infected or suspicious chickens and selling them. For this reason, consumers should not buy meat from random sources.

It is wise to buy meat only from reliable, approved, and regularly monitored stores.

5. Should you stop eating all chicken meat after bird flu is detected?

Not necessarily. Just because bird flu has been detected does not mean that all chicken meat is unsafe. Chicken and its products produced from farms that have been certified by the relevant body as disease-free and safe can be consumed normally.

What precautions should consumers take?

When purchasing chicken, one should pay attention to its source. Chicken that is sick, has died unnaturally, or looks suspicious should not be used.

Special attention should be paid to hygiene while cutting, washing, and cooking meat. Utensils, knives, cutting boards, and hands that have come into contact with raw meat should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Ensure that the meat is fully cooked. Such general precautions help prevent various foodborne infections.

However, chicken meat from confirmed, suspected, or controlled areas should not be used. Consumers should make decisions based on official information and advice from health authorities.

Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

 Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. Its purpose is to identify whether the child has any genetic problems in a timely manner.

According to pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. Surbhi Aryal, although genetic testing is not necessary for everyone during pregnancy, it is considered very important in special situations.

It is natural for parents to have many questions and concerns about the health of the baby during pregnancy. In particular, whether the child has any congenital or hereditary problems has become a matter of interest for many.

In recent years, access to genetic testing has been expanding in Nepal as well, which has made it possible to identify some serious diseases in the womb. Who needs genetic testing? How much does family history affect? ​​When and which tests are performed? Is the test safe or not? And what options are available to parents if a problem is found in the test?

Pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. A detailed conversation with Surbhi Aryal:

Should all women undergo genetic testing during pregnancy or is it only recommended for special situations?

Not all pregnant women need genetic testing. But in some special cases, it may be necessary if the doctor recommends it. For example, if the pregnant woman is over 35 years old, has had a genetic disease in a previous child, has a history of hereditary diseases in family members, or is suspected of having a genetic problem, then testing may be necessary.

Similarly, if a dual marker or quadruple marker test shows a risk, further confirmatory testing is required. In some cases, even if both parents are ‘carriers’ of a disease, testing of the unborn child is necessary. For example, if both husband and wife are carriers of thalassemia, special testing is done because there is a possibility of passing the disease on to the child.

How much does family history increase the risk of a genetic disease in an unborn child?

Family history is considered very important in genetics. Many genetic diseases are hereditary, so if someone in the family has the condition, the baby may also be at risk.

For example, some diseases, such as hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are X-linked, which means they are usually passed down from the mother's side. If a pregnant woman has a history of these diseases in her siblings or maternal grandparents, she should definitely tell her doctor.

Thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, and many other diseases can also cause the disease in her child if the parents are carriers. Therefore, it is important to be open about your family health history with your doctor during your prenatal check-up.

When is the best time to have genetic testing?

Different tests have different times.

NT scan: Between 11-13 weeks

Dual marker test: In the first trimester

Quadruple test: Up to about 20 weeks

NIPT: After 10 weeks

Chorionic villus sampling: At 12-13 weeks

Amniocentesis: After 14-15 weeks

When is the most appropriate test to perform?

Which tests are done depends on the age of the fetus, risk factors, and medical needs.

Which diseases can be detected through genetic testing?

Genetic testing helps identify many types of hereditary and chromosomal diseases. Down syndrome is one of the most commonly tested diseases. In addition, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and other chromosomal problems can also be detected.

If there is a history of a specific genetic disease in the family or if the parents are carriers, monogenic diseases can also be identified through gene testing. Current technology has developed the ability to detect many types of genetic diseases during pregnancy.

How safe are these tests during pregnancy?

Many parents worry about whether genetic testing will affect the baby or the mother. But most tests are safe. Ultrasound and screening tests using maternal blood do not harm the mother or the baby. They are considered completely safe.

Invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis may have a small risk because they use needles. However, the risk is very low when performed by an experienced specialist. If the doctor recommends it, there is no need to be afraid.

What options do parents have if a problem is found in the test?

If the test shows a genetic problem in the baby, the first thing to do is to consult a geneticist, genetic counselor or pediatrician to understand the nature, severity and future of the disease.

Every disease is different. In some cases, special monitoring, additional tests or a plan to deliver in a special health facility may be made.

In some serious diseases, the baby's life expectancy may be very low. In such cases, a decision can be made about the available options with the advice of a specialist.

Is treatment possible after genetic diseases are detected in the womb?

Most genetic diseases are not curable by taking medicines like other diseases. In such cases, the main focus is on supportive therapy, rehabilitation services, regular monitoring and long-term management. Therefore, early detection of the disease is the most important aspect.

What is the access and cost of genetic testing in Nepal?

Until a few years ago, samples had to be sent abroad for many genetic tests. It was a situation where there was no such thing as a genetic test. Now, dual marker, quadruple test, NIPT and many invasive tests are available in Nepal.

However, these services are mainly concentrated in urban areas. They are yet to be expanded to rural areas. When it comes to cost, not all tests are very expensive. Some screening tests start at around Rs. 5,000, while some complex tests may cost more. Therefore, the idea that ‘genetic testing is very expensive’ is not entirely correct.

Does the risk of genetic diseases increase as the mother ages?

As a woman ages, the chances of changes in the chromosomes in the egg increase. This may also increase the risk of chromosomal problems in the child.

Especially when pregnant at the age of 35 or above, the chances of Down syndrome, trisomy and other chromosomal abnormalities are relatively high, so doctors recommend additional tests in such cases.

What are the common misconceptions or misconceptions about genetic testing?

There are still some misconceptions in society about genetic testing. First, the idea that ‘if no one in the family has a genetic disease, the child will not have it either’. In fact, not all genetic diseases are hereditary. Some can even appear in new forms.

Second, the misconception that ‘genetic testing is a test to distinguish between sons and daughters’. Its main purpose is to identify whether a baby has a genetic disease, not to determine gender.

Third, the idea that ‘this test is too expensive for ordinary people to get it done’. Not all tests are expensive and are recommended only according to medical necessity.

How do you see the future of genetic services in Nepal?

The future of genetic services in Nepal is very promising. The services currently available need to be expanded to rural areas, not limited to urban areas.

This requires skilled manpower, infrastructure, and government investment. Over time, this service is likely to become an important part of basic health care.

Finally, what is your message to parents?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. The aim is to identify the child early if there is a genetic problem. If the doctor has advised screening or confirmatory testing, then you should do it with confidence.

If the disease is identified early, it is easier to provide the necessary counseling, planning, and management. Therefore, it is wise to prioritize the doctor's advice without getting confused.