Sudden cardiac deaths in the post Covid period: understanding and Action

[Sanjiv]

Introduction: Hi everyone, I'm Dr. M.S.S. Mukharjee, a senior interventional cardiologist. Today, I want to talk about something that's been causing a lot of concern lately: sudden cardiac deaths in the post-COVID period. There’s been a lot of panic and misinformation, so let's clear things up and talk about what we can do. 1. Pre-existing Trend: First off, it's important to know that sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) were already on the rise even before the pandemic. This isn't a new issue. Various factors like lifestyle changes, more heart disease, and an aging population have been driving this trend. For example, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) by FIFA found that from 2014 to 2018, 617 athletes experienced sudden cardiac death, sudden unexplained death, or resuscitated cardiac arrest. Even highly monitored groups like athletes have been affected. And then there’s a study from the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) which looked at sudden cardiac deaths among people aged 1 to 35 in Australia and New Zealand from 2010 to 2012. They found 490 cases with an annual incidence of 1.3 per 100,000. Most of these cases involved young men, and many were unexplained. This just shows that SCD has been a concern long before COVID. Remember: "Sudden Deaths Are Not New – Awareness Is Key." 2. Increased Visibility: Now, with all the technology we have, every incident of sudden death is more likely to be recorded. Surveillance cameras, smartphones, social media – they all ensure these tragic events are captured and shared widely. This increased visibility can make it seem like there’s a sudden spike in SCD cases, but it's partly because we're just more aware of each occurrence. Remember: "Increased Visibility, Not Increased Incidence." 3. Diverse Causes of SCD: There are many causes of sudden cardiac deaths, not just heart attacks. Conditions like Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM), Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), Brugada Syndrome, and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) also play significant roles. Understanding these conditions is crucial for comprehensive cardiac care and prevention. Remember: "Know the Causes, Save Lives." 4. Importance of CPR: Learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is incredibly important. Immediate response can save lives. At Pulse Heart Super Specialty Hospital, we're offering free CPR lessons to help you learn this life-saving skill. Just yesterday, a 35-year-old man came to our hospital with chest pain and had a cardiac arrest in the ER. We performed CPR immediately and did a primary angioplasty. He's doing fine now. We also have a video with the famous Tollywood director Rajamouli demonstrating how to do CPR. You can watch it and learn the steps to potentially save a life. So please, take advantage of our free CPR training courses – it’s a skill that could make you a lifesaver. Remember: "CPR Saves Lives – Learn It Today." 5. Role of Post-Mortem Studies: Post-mortem examinations can provide valuable insights into the causes of sudden deaths. These studies can reveal underlying conditions that weren't diagnosed during life. Encouraging and supporting the practice of post-mortem examinations, especially when the cause of death is unclear, can help us gather data to better understand and prevent these events in the future. Remember: "Post-Mortems Uncover the Truth." 6. COVID-19 and Cardiac Health: COVID-19 has had an impact on cardiac health. Some studies suggest that COVID-19 can cause myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, which can contribute to sudden cardiac deaths. Long COVID symptoms, including ongoing cardiovascular issues, are also being studied for their potential impact on heart health. If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s important to monitor your heart health closely, especially if you experience symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Remember: "Monitor Your Heart Post-COVID. 7. Note on COVID-19 Vaccines: There’s a growing concern among some people that COVID-19 vaccines are causing sudden cardiac deaths. However, it’s important to note that there’s no conclusive evidence proving that vaccines are responsible for these deaths. Interestingly, most vaccine-related blood clots with the Covishield vaccine were reported in women, but the sudden deaths we see now are mostly in men. This goes against the theory that vaccines are the cause. Nevertheless, the role of vaccines should be further investigated to ensure comprehensive understanding. Blaming vaccines can be a form of escapism, diverting attention from more pressing preventive measures and treatments. Instead of focusing on unproven claims, we should prioritize actions that are known to protect heart health, like regular check-ups, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and learning CPR

Sudden cardiac deaths in the post Covid period: understanding and Action II Dr MSS Mukharjee