Stories of seemingly healthy individuals passing away unexpectedly and prematurely are not uncommon. The causes may vary, but most are due to undiagnosed diseases, especially cardiovascular disease.
It’s crucial to be aware of the common causes of sudden death so that those around you can take appropriate action in a medical emergency.
Arrhythmia
Sudden cardiac death is a common occurrence in patients under the age of 35. It causes the heart to cease beating normally, also known as fatal arrhythmia. In children, this condition is attributable to a congenital heart defect. If the patient is older, it can result from a disease, heart defects, or unidentified syndromes.
Cerebral Events
Sudden death may occur due to a cerebrovascular accident. It occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted by a ruptured or obstructed blood vessel. Premature death can also occur from an intracranial bleed caused by trauma or an aneurysm. Some individuals may not show any symptoms before the rupture, while others may experience headaches or other neurological symptoms.
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism happens when a thrombus, or a blood clot, blocks the blood flow to the lungs. The clot may come from other parts of the body, such as the leg, resulting from deep vein thrombosis. This is a condition where clots form in the lower extremities, and it’s often associated with long-distance flight.
Overdose
Drug overdose or poisoning is the most common cause of sudden death among young people. Various substances, including prescription and non-prescription drugs and narcotics, can cause this.
How to Protect to Yourself
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital in keeping diseases away. However, regular check-ups to monitor your health are also a good idea and enable health professionals to detect any potential health issues early on.
