Nitesh Pandey : Nitesh Pandey’s death due to cardiac arrest brings attention to why premature deaths due to this heart condition are on the rise – Times of India | – Times of India

Nitesh Pandey, a known face in movies and TV series, passed away due to cardiac arrest on Wednesday at 2 am. He was 51.
Pandey is known for movies like ‘Khosla ka Ghosla’, ‘Badhaai Do’ and ‘Omm Shanti Omm’ and TV series like Anupamaa, Saaya, and Hum Ladkiyan.
He breathed his last in a hotel at Igatpuri, Nashik. “My brother-in-law is no more, and my sister Arpita Pandey is in a state of shock. Nitesh’s father has embarked on a journey to Igatpuri to bring his mortal remains back. They are expected to arrive later this afternoon. We are all completely numb, and I haven’t even been able to speak to Arpita since the tragedy occurred,” his brother-in-law confirmed to the media.

Cardiac arrest is killing young lives these days

The incidence of cardiac arrest among young people and subsequently the deaths associated with it are rising these days.
We spoke to Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist & Group Head – Cardiac Cath Lab, Metro Hospital, Noida on what are the reasons behind premature deaths due to cardiac arrest these days.
Heart health: Myths cardiologists wish people stop believing
The reasons behind the increasing incidence of premature deaths due to cardiac arrest in recent times are multifaceted, particularly among young individuals in India are sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, alcohol, smoking, hypertension and poor dietary choice, says Dr Gupta.
“The adoption of sedentary lifestyles, characterized by prolonged sitting and limited physical activity, contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest and is one of the biggest risk factors for the onset of cardiac arrest among young adults,” says Dr Gupta.
He also talks about unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking. “The rising consumption of alcohol among young individuals has been linked to an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Excessive alcohol intake can lead to heart rhythm disturbances and weakened heart muscles. Tobacco use, including smoking, is a well-established risk factor for heart disease and cardiac arrest. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and promotes the formation of blood clots,” he warns young people.
He also highlights the role of the new trend in diet. “Unhealthy diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive sodium intake contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest,” he warns against consumption of processed and packaged food.
Dr Gupta also talks about chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for cardiac arrest. Uncontrolled hypertension puts excessive strain on the heart, increasing the likelihood of sudden cardiac events. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to damage to the blood vessels and the heart,” explains Dr Gupta.

It is important to know the family history of cardiac events

In order to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest events one should be aware of the family history of the disease, says Dr Gupta. “Being aware of any family history of heart disease or cardiac events is important. This information can help individuals understand their potential risk and take appropriate preventive measures, including lifestyle modifications and regular medical check-ups,” he says.
He also urges young adults to understand the signs of cardiac arrest. “Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or discomfort in the upper body, and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial,” he advises them.

CPR skills and annual heart check-ups

“Acquiring knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be life-saving in the event of a cardiac arrest. CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until professional help arrives. Learning CPR skills equips individuals to respond effectively during emergencies and significantly increases the chances of survival,” says Dr Gupta.
“Undergoing regular heart check-ups can help assess the health of one’s heart and detect any underlying conditions or risk factors. These check-ups may include tests such as blood pressure measurement, cholesterol level assessment, electrocardiogram (ECG), stress tests, and echocardiography. Annual heart check-ups enable early identification of potential issues and allow for timely intervention and management of risk factors, thus reducing the risk of cardiac arrest,” he adds.
“By learning CPR skills, individuals can become empowered to provide immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies. Additionally, annual heart check-ups provide valuable insights into one’s heart health and enable proactive measures to maintain cardiovascular well-being,” the expert concludes.