Experts have suggested that thousands of cardiac arrests – where the heart suddenly stops beating – could be prevented by tackling health and lifestyle issues.
They found that a higher consumption of white wine, especially champagne, and more fruit; maintaining a positive mood; staying a healthy weight; and keeping blood pressure under control seem to protect against a cardiac arrest.
People who were more educated also seemed less prone to cardiac arrest, the study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, suggested, while poor sleep patterns and a lack of exercise could be detrimental.
A cardiac arrest is an emergency medical situation that usually happens without warning.
People suddenly collapse and lose consciousness, and stop breathing or do not breathe normally.
Without immediate treatment, people die.
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The latest study identified 56 risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest and found that up to 63% of cases might be avoidable.
“As expected, lifestyles account for the most burden,” the researchers said, adding: “Public awareness campaigns should be further encouraged to promote lifestyle interventions.”
The study looked at 502,094 middle-to-older aged people included in the UK Biobank database.
Of these, 3,147 people suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a typical follow-up period of 13.8 years.
The 56 risk factors identified by researchers included lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status and the local environment, such as exposure to air pollution.
The study authors concluded that between 40% and 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases may be avoidable when looking at all 56 risk factors.
For lifestyle factors, the researchers found that a higher consumption of champagne and/or white wine, and fruit intake protected against cardiac arrest, while “fed-up” feelings, high body mass indexes (BMIs) and arm fat mass, high blood pressure, and lower education level, all increased the risk.
Lead investigator and first author Dr Luo Huihuan from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, said: “The study found significant associations between various modifiable factors and sudden cardiac arrest, with lifestyle changes being the most impactful in preventing cases.”
In an accompanying editorial, University of Toronto PhD candidate in epidemiology Nicholas Grubic and Queen’s University medical student Dr Dakota Gustafson, both from Canada, said: “One of the study’s most intriguing findings is the cardioprotective effect associated with champagne and white wine consumption, questioning long-held assumptions about the specificity of red wine’s cardioprotective properties.
“Research on the underlying mechanisms remains unclear, but these findings reinforce the idea that the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption may be more complex than previously assumed.”
A cardiac arrest is caused by a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which happens when the electrical system in the heart fails to work.
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Anyone witnessing a cardiac arrest is urged to call 999 immediately, start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and alert bystanders to get a defibrillator if there is one nearby. – PA Media/dpa
