'Cardiac Arrest' as the Cause of Nana Patekar's Death: What Is This Condition?

 'Cardiac Arrest' as the Cause of Nana Patekar's Death: What Is This Condition?

Cardiac arrest is not merely a "weak heart." A severe disruption in the heart's electrical system can cause its pumping ability to stop abruptly.

'Cardiac Arrest' as the Cause of Nana Patekar's Death: What Is This Condition?

Actor Nana Patekar was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state from his residence in Goa. Despite medical professionals' efforts to save him—including performing CPR for approximately 45 minutes—they were unsuccessful.

According to Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Head of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, Nana Patekar suffered a severe cardiac arrest. It is reported that he passed away at 5:20 AM. However, as further medical procedures are underway, the definitive details regarding the cause of death will be clarified following a post-mortem examination.

Nana Patekar's passing has drawn attention once again to a serious health condition: cardiac arrest.

What exactly is cardiac arrest? Why does the heartbeat suddenly stop? And how does a person face death within mere minutes when the heart ceases to pump blood?

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

In simple terms, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood.

According to Dr. Ranjit Kumar Sharma, a Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Head of the Cardiology Department at Medicity Hospital, the term "cardiac" refers to the heart, while "arrest" signifies a stoppage or cessation. When a serious malfunction occurs in the heart's electrical system, the heartbeat becomes irregular, and the heart is unable to pump the necessary amount of blood throughout the body. This condition is known as cardiac arrest.

Immediate impact when the heart stops

The heart is the body's most vital pump. It continuously delivers oxygenated blood to all organs of the body. However, during a cardiac arrest, this pump suddenly stops functioning.

Dr. Sharma explains, "The heart is the most important pump in our body. It continuously supplies oxygenated blood to all our organs. When a cardiac arrest occurs, the heart suddenly stops performing this function. The impact of this becomes apparent in the brain within just a few seconds."

Once the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen no longer reaches the brain. The individual may suddenly lose consciousness, breathing may cease, and other bodily organs may also begin to fail.

"If the heart does not resume functioning within 3 to 5 minutes, the brain sustains permanent damage, leading to death," says Dr. Sharma.

Therefore, every single minute counts during a cardiac arrest. Initiating CPR immediately and obtaining emergency medical care can be decisive in saving a life.

Why does cardiac arrest occur?

There are various causes for cardiac arrest; however, in most cases, it is linked to underlying heart-related issues.

According to Dr. Sharma, a heart attack often precedes the event. When a heart attack damages the heart muscle, it can also disrupt the heart's electrical system. Subsequently, a severe disturbance in the heart's rhythm can occur, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.

During a heart attack, a blood clot may form in a coronary artery—the vessel that supplies blood to the heart—or the artery may become completely blocked. As a result, the heart muscle does not receive an adequate supply of blood and oxygen.

This can affect the heart's electrical system. The heart's normal rhythm may be disrupted, leading to serious conditions such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.

The heart merely 'quivers' instead of pumping.

In the case of ventricular fibrillation, the lower chambers of the heart—the ventricles—fail to contract normally to pump blood. Instead, they quiver in an irregular, chaotic manner.

Dr. Sharma explains, "When the heart's rhythm is disrupted, it cannot pump blood effectively. The heart merely 'quivers' rather than performing its pumping function."

In such a state, blood flow throughout the body effectively ceases. The individual may suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and, within a short time, stop breathing altogether.

Therefore, if a heart attack is not treated in a timely manner, the risk of cardiac arrest increases. While a heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same thing, a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.

It can also occur due to heart rhythm disturbances.

Another significant cause of cardiac arrest is a severe disruption in the heart's rhythm. "A heart attack, electrolyte imbalance, stress, medication, or congenital factors can cause the heartbeat to become extremely rapid or irregular," says Dr. Sharma. "When the lower part of the heart begins to quiver—either extremely fast or in an erratic manner—the heart becomes unable to pump blood. This can cause a person to collapse within mere seconds."

Viewed in this light, cardiac arrest is not simply a matter of the heart becoming "weak." A severe disruption in the heart's electrical system can cause its pumping function to cease abruptly.

This is precisely why, in the event of a cardiac arrest, every single second counts.

If a person suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, taking immediate action—calling for emergency assistance, initiating CPR, and using an AED (if available)—is crucial for saving their life.

Indiscriminate Use of Medication During Dashain Festivities Can Worsen Health

 Indiscriminate Use of Medication During Dashain Festivities Can Worsen Health

Warnings have been issued that health risks may increase during Dashain due to careless dietary habits, the use of medication without medical advice, and the skipping of regular doses of prescribed medicine.

Dashain is a major festival for the Nepali people. Family reunions, delicious food, joyful gatherings, and long journeys make this festival special. However, the excitement of the festive season can lead to health risks—stemming from poor dietary choices, irregularities in taking regular medications, and the tendency to use drugs without consulting a doctor.

Often, when people experience a headache, fever, cold, or indigestion, they immediately purchase medication from a pharmacy. It is also common for people to use old medicines that have been lying around at home for a long time, or to recommend such medications to others.

Such habits are risky from a health perspective.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the inappropriate use of medication as a significant public health challenge. According to the WHO, the misuse of medicine not only increases health risks but also leads to the wastage of resources intended for medical treatment.

Indiscriminate Use of Medication for Pain and Fever

During Dashain, factors such as long-distance travel, fatigue, lack of sleep, and an unbalanced diet can lead to issues like headaches, body aches, or fever. It is unwise to take medication the moment such symptoms appear without first understanding the underlying cause.

Consuming medications like paracetamol in doses exceeding the recommended amount can cause severe damage to the liver. Since many combination medicines used for colds and flu contain paracetamol, taking different medications simultaneously can lead to an excessive dosage of the same active ingredient.

Similarly, the indiscriminate use of pain relievers like ibuprofen and diclofenac can cause stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, or kidney damage. Extra caution is required, especially for the elderly, individuals with pre-existing kidney or heart conditions, and those who are already taking regular medication.

**The Misuse of Antibiotics: Another Challenge**

The tendency to take antibiotics immediately upon experiencing a sore throat, cold, flu, or fever is a major public health concern. Since most colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective in treating such infections.

Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to side effects such as allergies, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. Furthermore, their improper use can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance. In such cases, medications become less effective against the bacteria causing the infection, making treatment significantly more difficult.

Therefore, one should avoid taking antibiotics without medical advice, using leftover medication from previous illnesses, or consuming medicine prescribed for someone else. Medications prescribed by a doctor must be taken in the exact dosage and for the duration specified. If any adverse effects occur, consult a healthcare professional rather than changing the medication on your own. Missing Regular Medication Can Increase Risks

During the Dashain festival—whether traveling home, staying with relatives, or embarking on long-distance journeys—individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or other chronic illnesses may inadvertently miss their regular medications. Changes in diet and daily routines during the festive season can also lead to irregularities in taking prescribed medication.

Discontinuing medications used to manage chronic conditions—simply because one feels "fine"—is dangerous. It is particularly critical for individuals using insulin, anti-epileptic drugs, blood thinners, or steroids to strictly follow their doctor's instructions.

Before setting out on a journey, ensure you carry an adequate supply of your necessary medications. Keep a record of the names of your medicines and the scheduled times for taking them, and make arrangements to ensure you take them on time. If a dose is missed, do not take it upon yourself to compensate by doubling the dose.

What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

 What precautions should individuals with high uric acid levels take during Dashain?

Since uric acid levels tend to rise during Dashain, it is advised to limit the consumption of purine-rich meats—such as goat, buffalo, liver, and kidneys—and instead incorporate vegetables and salads into one's diet.

The very mention of Dashain brings to mind meat dishes, delicious food, and gatherings with relatives. Many people believe that regardless of what they eat throughout the rest of the year, Dashain is a time to indulge in tasty food and enjoy themselves.

During this period, some people also consume more meat, often accompanied by beer or other alcoholic beverages. Even those who are usually very mindful of their diet tend to overindulge during Dashain.

After all, festivals are meant for eating and having a good time!

However, the dietary experience during Dashain is not the same for everyone. In particular, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra careful with their food choices; giving in to the temptation of taste could risk triggering a flare-up of their condition.

Does eating meat automatically raise uric acid levels? Could eating a bit too much cause complications? Such questions can leave many feeling uncertain. It is not the case that everyone with high uric acid must follow the exact same dietary restrictions. Some individuals may have elevated uric acid levels in their blood without showing any symptoms, while others may experience joint swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—a condition known as "gout." Uric acid is produced when a substance called 'purine' breaks down in the body. Typically, the kidneys excrete it through urine. If the body produces an excess of uric acid, or if the kidneys are unable to excrete a sufficient amount, the level of uric acid in the blood can rise.

When this accumulates and forms tiny crystals in the joints, it can lead to a condition known as gout.

Does the diet during Dashain increase uric acid levels?

During Dashain, people often consume large quantities of meat dishes, along with foods that are oily, spicy, or contain items like paneer (cottage cheese). Because these foods are tasty, there is a common tendency to overeat in a single sitting or to consume such dishes consistently over several days. However, those prone to high uric acid levels need to be extra mindful of their diet.

In particular, red meat—such as goat or buffalo—as well as dishes made from organ meats like liver and kidneys, contain high levels of purine.

Consequently, consuming large amounts of these foods can raise blood uric acid levels or trigger a flare-up of gout. Purine is also found in fish and chicken; therefore, one should not assume that 'white meat' can be consumed in unlimited quantities. Rather than avoiding meat entirely during Dashain, a more practical approach is to limit portion sizes and avoid the habit of including meat in every single meal.

Thus, instead of filling your plate exclusively with meat during Dashain, you can manage your intake by incorporating vegetables, salads, and other nutritious foods.

Is it okay to consume alcohol? Although it is common to consume alcohol with friends and family during Dashain, abstaining is the safest choice if you suffer from high uric acid levels. Even if you decide to drink, the general advice to "consume in moderation" does not define a universally "safe" amount for everyone.

If you are experiencing a gout flare-up or have other underlying health issues, you should avoid alcohol entirely. Similarly, you should limit the intake of soft drinks like Coke, Fanta, and other sugar-sweetened beverages; the fructose found in these drinks can increase uric acid levels.

**Legumes and Protein**

Legumes also contain purines. However, purines derived from plant-based foods do not necessarily pose the same level of risk as those found in meat or seafood. Therefore, foods such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and soybeans can be consumed in balanced amounts.

It is better to focus on a varied diet that includes vegetables and fruits, ensuring your meals provide the necessary nutrition. During Dashain, rather than simply sitting around eating and resting, it is advisable to incorporate some walking or physical activity to help digest what you have consumed.

**Does high uric acid always require medication?**

Not everyone with elevated uric acid levels in their blood requires medication. A condition where no symptoms are present is known as "asymptomatic hyperuricemia." In such cases, medication to lower uric acid is generally not initiated.

However, a doctor may make a decision based on an individual's overall health, kidney function, and other risk factors. The situation is different when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to a condition known as gout. The primary symptoms include sudden swelling, redness, and excruciating pain—most commonly in the joint of the big toe. The pain can be so intense that even placing the foot on the ground, putting on a sock, or having a blanket brush against it becomes difficult.

This pain may subside on its own after a few hours or days, and there might be no further issues for months or even years. However, the subsiding of pain does not mean the condition has been cured. Over time, the condition may flare up repeatedly; if left untreated, the accumulated uric acid crystals can form hard lumps in the joints, known as "tophi."

Therefore, it is not advisable to take medication only when pain occurs and stop once it subsides. If a doctor has prescribed medication to lower uric acid levels, you should not discontinue it on your own.

5 Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Diet and Lifestyle During Dashain

1. Stay active: Engage in regular walking, avoid sitting in one place for too long, and incorporate light exercise.

2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Be mindful of your diet, and adjust your fluid intake based on your specific health condition and bodily needs.

3. Take medication consistently: Do not stop taking your uric acid-lowering medication just because your diet or eating habits have changed during the Dashain festival.

4. Avoid alcohol and an unbalanced diet: It is wise to exercise moderation regarding alcohol consumption and overeating, even during the festive season.

What should you keep in mind when consuming alcohol and medication together?

 What should you keep in mind when consuming alcohol and medication together?

Given the tradition of consuming alcohol during the Dashain festival, doctors advise those currently taking medication to be aware of potential interactions between alcohol and their drugs.

It is common to consume alcohol for enjoyment during Dashain. Alcohol, in itself, is not beneficial for health. Individuals who consume alcohol should be mindful of how it might interact with any medications they are taking.

Alcohol can amplify the effects of sleep-inducing medications and certain allergy drugs. For instance, consuming alcohol alongside medications like Diazepam or Alprazolam (used for sleep or anxiety) or Zolpidem (used as a sleep aid) can be harmful. Combining alcohol with such drugs carries risks, including excessive drowsiness, dizziness, impaired judgment, and a loss of physical balance.

Consuming alcohol while taking allergy medications—such as Chlorpheniramine or Diphenhydramine—can also intensify drowsiness and dizziness. Even with medications like Cetirizine, which are generally less sedating, some individuals may still experience these heightened effects. This increases the risk of falls or road accidents and, in severe cases, can even interfere with breathing.

Individuals taking antibiotics should also exercise particular caution regarding alcohol. Consuming alcohol while on Metronidazole, for example, can trigger reactions such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, facial flushing, and an increased heart rate. Since Tinidazole also carries this risk, one should not consume alcohol during the course of treatment or for a specified period after stopping the medication.

Therefore, the safest course of action is to avoid alcohol while taking the medication. You should follow the instructions provided on the medicine label and consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding potential interactions with alcohol.