A new study has found that making positive changes to lifestyle and health behaviors could prevent thousands of cases of sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart abruptly stops beating. The research, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, identified 56 risk factors for cardiac arrest and concluded that between 40% and 63% of cases could be avoided by addressing them. Among the most protective factors were drinking champagne or white wine in moderation, consuming more fruit, maintaining a healthy body weight, managing blood pressure, staying physically active, and fostering a positive mental outlook. Interestingly, higher levels of education were also associated with lower risk, while poor sleep patterns, inactivity, high BMI, high blood pressure, and negative emotional states like feeling “fed up” increased the likelihood of experiencing cardiac arrest.
The study analyzed data from 502,094 individuals aged middle to older age from the UK Biobank, with a follow-up period averaging nearly 14 years. During that time, 3,147 individuals suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai emphasized that lifestyle interventions had the most significant impact on reducing risk. Lead author Dr. Huihuan Luo stated that various modifiable risk factors were strongly associated with cardiac arrest, underscoring the critical role of preventive strategies.
In a related editorial, experts from the University of Toronto and Queen’s University noted the surprising finding that champagne and white wine may have heart-protective benefits, challenging the long-standing belief that only red wine offers such effects. While the mechanisms behind this protective influence are not yet fully understood, the findings suggest that the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption could be broader and more complex than previously assumed.
Cardiac arrest usually strikes without warning, leading to immediate unconsciousness and abnormal or absent breathing. Without prompt treatment, it is fatal. Since it is often caused by arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms, emergency response is vital. If someone collapses, bystanders are advised to call emergency services, begin CPR, and use a defibrillator if available. The researchers hope their findings will fuel public health campaigns aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles, ultimately saving lives by making cardiac arrest more preventable through everyday choices.
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