Ravi Shankar Best Cardiac Surgeon

Are Women at Higher Risk of Cardiac Arrest Mortality Than Men?

By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon and Paras Hospitals East.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. This life-threatening condition can occur in both men and women, regardless of age. However, studies indicate that women have a 34% survival rate from the moment of cardiac arrest to hospital admission, compared to 37% in men. This difference may be influenced by anatomical and physiological factors, disparities in medical care access, and variations in emergency response times.

Before exploring the factors that contribute to lower survival rates in women, let’s first understand the causes and symptoms of cardiac arrest in women.

Which Women Are at Risk of Cardiac Arrest?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of cardiac arrest in women, potentially leading to lower survival rates. These risk factors include:

  • Advancing Age – The risk increases with age, especially after menopause.
  • High Blood Pressure – Hypertension puts extra strain on the heart.
  • Diabetes – Women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart complications.
  • Obesity – Excess weight increases the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
  • Tobacco & Alcohol Consumption – Smoking and excessive alcohol weaken the heart.
  • Family History of Heart Disease – Genetic predisposition plays a significant role.
  • Hormonal Changes – Menopause-related hormonal shifts can impact heart health.

Understanding these risk factors can help women take proactive steps toward heart health and prevention.

Signs of Cardiac Arrest in Women

Women may experience different or more subtle symptoms before cardiac arrest compared to men. Here are key warning signs to watch for:

  • Discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or belly – Pain may not always be centred in the chest.
  • Nausea or vomiting – Unexplained digestive issues can signal heart distress.
  • Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing, even at rest, is a red flag.
  • Unusual fatigue – Extreme tiredness days or weeks before cardiac arrest.
  • Light-headedness or dizziness – Feeling faint or losing balance unexpectedly.
  • Heartburn – A burning sensation that may be mistaken for acid reflux.
  • Sweating – Sudden, cold sweats without exertion.
  • Chest pain or discomfort – Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest.
  • Pain in the arms – Radiating pain, especially in the left arm.

Recognizing these symptoms early and seeking medical help can be lifesaving.

Factors Affecting Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates in Women

Several factors contribute to the lower survival rate of women experiencing cardiac arrest compared to men:

  1. Anatomic Differences – Women have smaller coronary arteries and lower blood flow, making resuscitation more challenging.
  2. Menopause Transition (MT) – Hormonal changes during menopause affect body composition, lipid levels, and vascular health, increasing heart disease risk.
  3. Lower CPR Performance – Studies show men are more likely to receive bystander CPR than women, reducing survival chances.
  4. Misdiagnosis – Women’s heart symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety or indigestion, delaying critical treatment.
  5. Delayed Response – Many women hesitate to seek medical help, unaware of heart attack warning signs.
  6. Age Factor – Women typically experience cardiac arrest at an older age than men, which is linked to lower survival rates.

Awareness and timely medical intervention can help bridge this survival gap.

Ways to Prevent Cardiac Arrest in Women

While cardiac arrest cannot always be prevented, maintaining heart health can reduce the risk. Here’s how:

✔ Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle – Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

✔ Manage Health Conditions – Control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

✔ Quit Smoking & Alcohol – Reduce or eliminate tobacco and alcohol consumption.

✔ Recognize Warning Signs – Seek immediate medical help for chest pain or unusual symptoms.

✔ Monitor Hormonal Changes – Keep track of hormone levels, especially during menopause.

✔ Manage Stress – Practice yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques.

✔ Learn CPR – Ensure family members are trained in CPR for emergencies.

For expert guidance, consult a Paras Hospital Cardiologist today.

FAQs

🔹 What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating, causing loss of consciousness and breathing.

🔹 When are women more prone to cardiac arrest?
According to the Center for Cardiac Arrest Prevention, 25.4% of women experience cardiac arrest at night, compared to 20.6% of men.

🔹 Can hormonal imbalance increase the risk of cardiac arrest?
Yes, hormonal changes during and after menopause can increase the risk of cardiac arrest in women.

🔹 Who is at high risk of experiencing cardiac arrest?
Adults between their mid-30s and mid-40s are at the highest risk.

🔹 How long can you survive a cardiac arrest?
Without CPR, survival chances drop significantly after 8 minutes.

For expert guidance, consult a Paras Hospital Cardiologist today.

Ravi Shankar Best Cardiac Surgeon

Understanding the Differences: Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, and Heart Failure

By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon and Paras Hospitals East.

Understanding the Differences: Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, and Heart Failure

The heart plays an important role in the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. However, serious heart diseases such as heart attacks, cardiac arrest and heart failure can have a major impact on its function. Lack of consciousness and delayed treatment are one of the main causes of heart-related deaths.

Early detection of symptoms of these diseases can lead to life-saving medical interventions. This article examines the differences between heart attacks, cardiac arrest and heart failure. If the cause, symptoms, and if you need to seek emergency medical care.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked or significantly reduced, leading to damage of the heart muscle. This happens due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Without prompt treatment, the affected heart tissue begins to deteriorate, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

Causes of a Heart Attack

The primary cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis occurs when substances such as cholesterol, fat, and calcium accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, forming plaque. Over time, this plaque hardens, reducing blood flow to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which may completely block the artery and trigger a heart attack.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Heart attack symptoms can differ from person to person and may develop gradually over hours, days, or even weeks before the actual event. While the heart continues to beat, it does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood due to blocked coronary arteries.

Common Symptoms:

  • Chest pain or discomfort – A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the middle of the chest.
  • Radiating pain – Pain that spreads to the jaw, arms, back, or shoulders.
  • Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing even while at rest.
  • Extreme fatigue – Unusual tiredness, especially in the days or weeks before an attack.
  • Fainting or dizziness – A feeling of light-headedness or loss of consciousness.
  • Excessive sweating – Cold sweats or clammy skin.
  • Indigestion issues – Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
  • Anxiety or panic attacks – An unexplained sense of doom or fear.
  • Bluish lips, hands, or feet – Due to lack of oxygen in the blood.

Many people experience mild symptoms, such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, or fatigue, days or weeks before a heart attack.

What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack?

  1. Seek Emergency Help Immediately
    • Call an ambulance or rush the patient to the nearest hospital. Quick medical attention is crucial.
  2. Take Aspirin (if not allergic)
    • If the patient is conscious, they can take a normal dose of aspirin to help slow blood clot formation and reduce blockages.
    • The aspirin should be chewed before swallowing with water for faster absorption.
  3. Perform CPR if Necessary
    • If the patient loses consciousness and stops breathing, perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) until medical help arrives.
    • If untrained, perform only chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.
  4. Hospital Treatment
    • Once at the hospital, doctors will assess the situation and provide life-saving medical treatment to restore blood flow to the heart.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and other organs ceases, leading to unconsciousness and the inability to breathe. Without immediate medical intervention, cardiac arrest can result in death within minutes.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is primarily caused by abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, which result from electrical disturbances in the heart. While it can occur unexpectedly in healthy individuals, certain pre-existing heart conditions increase the risk.

Common Causes:

  1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – Blocked or narrowed arteries reduce blood supply to the heart.
  2. Cardiomyopathy – Thickened or enlarged heart muscles weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood.
  3. Valvular Heart Disease – Damage to one of the four heart valves disrupts blood flow.
  4. Congenital Heart Defects – Structural heart abnormalities present from birth.
  5. Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle due to infections.

Since cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, early recognition and immediate response are crucial for survival.Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and other organs ceases, leading to unconsciousness and the inability to breathe. Without immediate medical intervention, cardiac arrest can result in death within minutes.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly, without warning. A person experiencing cardiac arrest may:

  • Collapse unexpectedly
  • Become unresponsive and unconscious
  • Stop breathing

However, research suggests that some patients may experience warning signs for days or even weeks before a cardiac arrest. These symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Heart palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Nausea or abdominal pain
  • Back pain

Recognizing these early signs can help prevent cardiac arrest with timely medical intervention.

What to Do in Case of Cardiac Arrest

Since the heart stops beating during cardiac arrest, the brain and other vital organs lose oxygen, which can lead to death or permanent brain damage within minutes. Immediate action can save a life.

Steps to Take:

  1. Call emergency medical services immediately.
  2. Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – If the person is unresponsive, start CPR with chest compressions (100–120 per minute) to maintain blood flow until medical help arrive.
  3. Use a Defibrillator (AED) – If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and someone knows how to use it, apply it as soon as possible to restore normal heart rhythm.

Timely intervention is crucial—every second counts in saving a life during cardiac arrest.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the body’s cells. This results in fatigue, weakness, and other complications. Unlike a heart attack or cardiac arrest, heart failure develops gradually over time, often as a result of underlying heart conditions.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Heart failure symptoms can vary but commonly include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity or while lying down)
  • Persistent coughing or wheezing
  • Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
  • Difficulty in performing physical activities

Early detection of these symptoms can help manage the condition effectively.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure usually develops due to conditions that weaken or damage the heart muscle. The most common causes include:

  • Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the heart)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure that strains the heart over time)
  • Heart valve disorders (leading to improper blood flow regulation)

Other contributing factors may include diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

What to Do in Case of Heart Failure

Unlike a heart attack or cardiac arrest, heart failure is not an immediate medical emergency but requires long-term management. Timely treatment, lifestyle modifications, and prescribed medications can help slow its progression and improve quality of life.

Key Management Steps:

  • Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain an active lifestyle.
  • Take prescribed medications to manage symptoms and underlying conditions.
  • Monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen.

Conclusion

Though heart attack, cardiac arrest, and heart failure differ in severity and symptoms, they often present early warning signs. Recognizing these signs and seeking timely medical intervention can prevent severe complications. Regular heart screenings and a heart-healthy lifestyle are essential for maintaining long-term cardiovascular health.

If you have concerns about your heart health, consult a cardiologist for expert guidance and preventive care.

Ravi Shankar Best Cardiac Surgeon

Advancements in Cardiac Surgery: A Guide to CTVS

By Dr. Sanjay Kumar in CTVS at Paras Hospital Gurgaon and Paras Hospitals East.

CTVS

Cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS) focuses on surgical treatment of diseases affecting the heart, lungs, breast, blood vessels and blood vessels. This includes a wide range of procedures, including vascular reconstruction, lung cancer resection, cardiac surgery, and coronary artery bypass implantation. All of these aim to improve the health and quality of life of our patients.

The CTVS department strives to provide the highest standard of supply to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Continuing advances in medical technology have made CTV’s future promising and paved the way for groundbreaking innovation in this field.

What is CTVS?

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS) is a specialized surgical field focused on treating conditions of the heart, lungs, chest, and oesophagus. Traditionally, these procedures required open-chest surgery, leaving patients with a noticeable scar along the centre of the chest. However, advancements in minimally invasive techniques now allow surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions, reducing blood loss, shortening hospital stays, and ensuring faster recovery.

CTVS plays a crucial role in treating Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries restrict blood flow to the heart, potentially causing heart attacks or angina (chest pain). In such cases, CTVS procedures help restore proper blood circulation.

Additionally, heart valve disorders—which disrupt normal blood flow—often require CTVS surgery to repair or replace malfunctioning valves. This speciality is also essential for correcting congenital heart defects, ensuring the heart functions optimally from an early stage.

Beyond cardiac care, CTVS is vital in lung cancer treatment, as it enables the removal of malignant tumours and affected lung tissue, helping prevent life-threatening complications. With continuous advancements in technology, CTVS is revolutionizing the way cardiovascular and thoracic diseases are treated, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Future of CTVS Heart Surgery

CTVS

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) is a highly advanced field that focuses on treating heart and lung diseases through surgery. In recent years, new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotic surgery, and 3D imaging have improved the success of these surgeries, making them safer and more precise.

The future of CTVS looks bright with exciting advancements in heart transplants, artificial hearts, ventricular assist devices (VADs), transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and heart failure treatments. These modern techniques make surgeries less invasive, reduce recovery time, and improve patient outcomes.

With continuous research and new developments, CTVS will become even better, offering faster recovery, less pain, and more effective treatments for heart and lung diseases.

1. Artificial Intelligence in CTVS

AI is revolutionizing CTVS by enhancing surgical planning and decision-making. Traditionally, multiple specialists collaborated for complex surgeries, but AI now assists in analyzing patient history, health conditions, and surgical risks to predict outcomes.

With machine learning algorithms, AI helps in preoperative and postoperative management, optimizes surgical procedures, and supports robotic-assisted surgeries. These technologies reduce complications and improve precision, leading to higher success rates and faster recovery. As research progresses, AI is expected to further enhance patient safety and expand the possibilities of CTVS.

2. 3D Printing for Personalized CTVS Treatment

3D printing is revolutionizing pre-surgical planning by allowing surgeons to create accurate models of the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. These models help in diagnosing complex conditions like congenital heart defects and arterial diseases while enabling customized surgical approaches.

With 3D-printed implants, surgeons can personalize treatment for each patient, leading to better surgical precision and improved recovery. This technology is particularly useful for minimally invasive surgeries, reducing operative risks and hospital stays.

3. Robot-Assisted CTVS Surgery

Robotic technology allows surgeons to perform highly precise, minimally invasive heart and lung surgeries. Unlike traditional open-heart procedures, robot-assisted surgery involves tiny incisions, reducing blood loss, infection risks, and recovery time.

A robotic system provides a magnified, 3D view of the surgical site and enhances a surgeon’s movements with greater flexibility and precision. The system’s multi-jointed “endo-wrist” instruments help operate in tight spaces, such as the left atrium of the heart, which would be challenging with conventional techniques. As research continues, robotic-assisted surgeries will likely become the standard for CTVS procedures.

Ours Thoughts

CTVS is a constantly evolving field, and artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and robotic surgery are making surgeries safer, faster, and more effective. With continuous advancements, the future of heart and lung surgery looks promising, offering patients better outcomes and improved quality of life.

For expert cardiovascular care, consult Paras Hospital’s experienced team of specialists and benefit from cutting-edge treatments tailored to your needs.

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Understanding Heart Health: A Brief Introduction

When we run or feel frightened, we often notice a pounding sensation on the left side of our chest—yes, that’s our heart, reminding us we’re alive. Think of it as our body’s pumping station, working nonstop without a moment’s break. It tirelessly delivers oxygen-rich blood to every corner of our body and sends oxygen-depleted blood back to our lungs to be refreshed.

Our heart’s powerful muscle fibers get the energy they need from blood supplied by the coronary arteries—tiny vessels only about 2 millimeters in diameter. If these arteries become blocked by a buildup of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) or a blood clot (thrombus), the heart muscle begins to starve. This can cause it to function poorly or even die, leading to heart failure or, in severe cases, sudden death.

So, how do we keep our heart healthy? The main culprit in most artery blockages is atherosclerosis, which starts as fat deposits on the artery walls and can eventually include calcium buildup. Over time, these deposits (plaques) can expand to completely clog the artery.

To prevent these harmful deposits from forming, we need to adopt a healthy lifestyle as early in life as possible. This includes:

  • Avoiding processed and packaged foods
  • Steering clear of high-calorie and high-glycemic-index meals
  • Watching our carbohydrate intake
  • Staying active throughout the day—if nothing else, walk for at least one hour daily

In the next chapter, we’ll explore the risk factors for heart disease—those we can control and those we can’t—and discuss how to keep this life-sustaining organ strong and healthy for years to come.

admindr Best Cardiac Surgeon

Understanding Cardiac Health: A Guide by Dr. Sanjay Kumar

Understanding Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Just like maintaining good health requires certain dos and don’ts, keeping your heart strong means being aware of the factors contributing to coronary artery disease (CAD). These risk factors fall into two main categories:

1️⃣ Modifiable Risk Factors – Can be managed or changed.
2️⃣ Non-Modifiable Risk Factors – This cannot be controlled but still impacts heart health.

Modifiable Risk Factors

You can improve these lifestyle and health-related factors with conscious effort:

Smoking – Damages blood vessels, reduces oxygen levels and leads to plaque buildup in arteries.

Unhealthy Diet – High-fat, sugary, and processed foods increase cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity risks.

Lack of Exercise – Inactivity weakens the heart and raises the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.Excess Weight – Extra body fat strains the heart and contributes to high cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes.

Chronic Stress – Prolonged stress raises blood pressure and inflammation, often leading to unhealthy habits.

Poor Sleep – Less than 6–7 hours of sleep per night increases the risk of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Forces the heart to work harder, leading to artery damage.

Diabetes – High blood sugar damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup in arteries.

Nutritional Deficiencies – Lack of essential nutrients, fibre, and healthy fats can lead to metabolic disorders and high cholesterol.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

These factors are beyond control but still affect heart health:

🔹 Age – Risk increases after 45 years in men and 55 years in women.
🔹 Family History – A history of CAD in close relatives raises personal risk.
🔹 Ethnicity – Certain groups (South Asians, African Americans, Hispanics) have a higher genetic predisposition.
🔹 Genetics – Inherited conditions like high cholesterol and high blood pressure increase CAD risk.
🔹 Gender – Men face a higher risk at a younger age, while postmenopausal women experience increased risk due to hormonal changes.

Conclusion

While some risks are unavoidable, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the chances of CAD. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and medical checkups are key to protecting your heart. Small changes today can lead to a healthier tomorrow!

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