Raquel Welch's cause of death revealed — who's at risk of cardiac arrest?
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a cardiac arrest is when "the heart suddenly stops beating."
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Raquel Welch's cause of death has been revealed.
The "One Million Years B.C." actress died at age 82 of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, CA, on Feb. 15. Welch was also battling Alzheimer's disease, which may have been an underlying cause of death, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Welch's longtime manager Steve Sauer told People at the time of her passing that the Golden Globe winner had "passed away peacefully" following a "brief illness." Her Alzheimer's diagnosis was never made public.
To learn the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and understand the risk factors, read on.
What is a cardiac arrest?
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, a cardiac arrest is when "the heart suddenly stops beating."
If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs, and you stop breathing and/or lose consciousness. Brain death can begin in as little as three minutes.
The condition is usually caused by a problem with your heart's electrical system, which disrupts your heart's ability to pump and beat (arrhythmia).
In Canada, approximately 35,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Only one in 10 people survive this emergency if it happens at home or in a public place. A patient's survival rate doubles with immediate action or if it takes place within a hospital setting.
It's important to note that cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage that stops or limits blood flow to the heart.
What are the signs and symptoms of a cardiac arrest?
Unfortunately, cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly and there are usually no warning signs.
If someone suddenly collapses, becomes unresponsive to touch or sound, loses pulse or stops breathing, they might be experiencing a cardiac arrest.
Occasionally, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness or fast-beating/fluttering heart palpitations occur before a cardiac arrest, but this is less common.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above warning signs, or suddenly becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
Who's at risk of a cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. However, a life-threatening arrhythmia or electrical problems in the heart usually develop in people with preexisting heart conditions:
Heart attack: If you've had a heart attack it can trigger sudden cardiac arrest and leave scar tissue on your heart, which can cause abnormalities in your heart rhythm.
Coronary artery disease: Most cases of sudden cardiac arrest occur in people who have coronary artery disease. In this case, the arteries become clogged with cholesterol and other deposits, which reduces blood flow to the heart.
Enlarged heart: Enlarged heart occurs when your heart's muscular walls stretch, enlarge or thicken, which often leads to arrhythmias.
Valvular heart disease: Leaking or narrowing of your heart valves can lead to stretching or weakening of your heart muscle, leading to an increased risk of developing arrhythmia.
Congenital heart disease: When sudden cardiac arrest occurs in children or adolescents, it can be due to congenital heart disease that the person was born with.
Outside of heart conditions, other factors can lead to a greater risk of cardiac arrest, such as people who smoke or have high blood pressure or cholesterol. Additionally, people who are obese, have diabetes or live an inactive lifestyle are more as risk.
How can I help prevent a cardiac arrest?
Following a heart healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of many heart conditions such as sudden cardiac arrest.
For example, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a healthy and balanced diet, managing stress and getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise is recommended.
Additionally, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about being screened for heart disease and how to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.
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