The death of the renowned Hindi cinema actor Nana Patekar, who was 75 years old, shocked many. He was found unconscious in his home in Goa. He complained of severe chest pain, after which a medical team from Manipal Hospital was dispatched to his apartment. He was immediately taken to the hospital where doctors tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at 5:20 AM. Initial reports point to cardiac arrest as the cause of death. Since the case has legal implications, an autopsy will be performed. Nana Patekar's son, Malhar Patekar, also confirmed his passing.
Following Nana Patekar's death, concerns about cardiac arrest have resurfaced. The most alarming aspect in this case is that it is an emergency medical situation where a person has very little time to recover. In many cases, a person suddenly collapses without giving any obvious signs, and the condition can become extremely serious within minutes. Medical experts note that timely administration of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and, if necessary, defibrillation can increase the chances of survival.
What is cardiac arrest?
Simply put, cardiac arrest occurs due to a sudden failure in the electrical system that controls heartbeats. The heart stops beating in a normal rhythm, and blood cannot be pumped throughout the body. This directly affects the supply of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs. This is why cardiac arrest is considered a time-critical medical emergency. A person can lose consciousness and stop breathing normally in a short time. Without immediate help, this can lead to death.
Difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest
People often confuse a heart attack and cardiac arrest, although they are completely different. In a heart attack, an artery supplying blood to the heart becomes blocked, whereas in cardiac arrest, the electrical activity controlling the heartbeat is suddenly disrupted. Nevertheless, there is an important connection between them: in some cases, a heart attack can affect the heart's electrical system and cause a state of cardiac arrest.
Causes of cardiac arrest
There are numerous causes that can lead to cardiac arrest. One of the main causes is a sudden disruption or abnormality in heart rhythm. Additionally, the risk can increase due to cardiovascular diseases, preceding heart attacks, heart failure, heart muscle diseases, congenital heart problems, and disturbances in the heart's electrical system. In some cases, cardiac arrest can occur due to severe oxygen deficiency in the body, massive bleeding, serious infection, exposure to certain drugs or toxins.
The most dangerous thing is the lack of prior symptoms
The main problem with cardiac arrest is that it often occurs without any warning signs. A person can suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally. However, some people may exhibit certain symptoms before cardiac arrest, although this is not mandatory for everyone. These signs should not be ignored.
If someone suddenly experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or sudden weakness, it should not be considered a minor issue. Especially if the person's condition deteriorates rapidly, immediate medical attention should be sought. If, however, a person suddenly collapses, does not respond to attempts to call out or tap on the shoulder, and is not breathing normally, this should be considered a life-threatening cardiac arrest emergency requiring immediate action.
What to do in case of sudden cardiac arrest?
In such a situation, every second is critical. Emergency medical services must be called immediately. If the person is unconscious and not breathing normally, CPR should be started immediately. If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, it should also be used as soon as possible. CPR helps maintain blood flow in the body, while an AED can help normalize a dangerous heart rhythm.
Why are basic CPR knowledge important in every home?
Every minute before the ambulance arrives is crucial in case of cardiac arrest. In such circumstances, relying solely on emergency services is not enough. Help from bystanders in the first few minutes can play a decisive role. If CPR is administered immediately to the person and a defibrillator is used if necessary, their chances of survival increase.
The news of Nana Patekar's death once again highlights how serious cardiac arrest can be, where every second counts. Recognizing its symptoms and providing timely assistance, such as CPR, can play a key role in saving a life.