UNAIR NEWS – Cases of sudden death from coronary heart disease increases every year. It happens to a lot of men aged under 40. This phenomenon clearly indicates an age range shift in coronary heart patients as young age does not guarantee someone has a excellent physical condition.

This age shift in coronary heart disease is acknowledged by a heart and vascular expert from the Faculty of Medicine UNAIR – Dr. Soetomo Hospital dr. Andrianto., Sp.JP., FIHA. In medical science, sudden death due to coronary heart does not occur without any symptoms.

“Long before, the body has sent a signal of discomfort in the chest. But often ignored by the sufferer, “he said.

Sudden death occurs when a person has a heart rhythm disturbance. This disrupts heart pumping function. As a result, the supply of oxygen to all the vital organs in the body has severe impairment.

“Sudden death generally occurs after a person has a series of symptoms such as weakness, fainting, pain, tightness, pounding on the left side of the chest or right in the heart position,” he said.

Actually ignoring the pain or discomfort in the left chest is a bad habit. Often patients do not realize that the pain in the chest can be an early symptom of coronary heart disease.

“People often think chest pain, weakness, accompanied by heart palpitations as as a symptom of cold or tired. They finally ignored it and only do kerokan. After that it could even bring worse effect. Do not underestimate, “he explained.

If they already feel the early symptoms,  Andrianto suggested to have them checked immediately to the doctor. Because often new patients are rushed to the hospital after the condition is severe. If it can be detected early, the illness may be treatable.

In handling cases of coronary heart, if there is a blockage of blood vessels in the heart and they do not immediately get help within 12 hours, they can result to permanent blood vessel blockage.

“There is 40 percent of coronary heart patients died in the first four hours, after experiencing a series of pain complaints on the left chest,” he said.

But if it is handled immediately, many heart muscles are likely to be saved, so the possibility of recovery is greater.

In addition to being caused by coronary heart disease, other causes of sudden death can be caused by a primary heart rhythm (congenital), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (congenital heart muscle thickening) or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).

To minimize the risk of coronary heart disease, it is recommended for men over 40 years old and anyone who has a family history of coronary heart patients to check their heart health through cardiac general check up . This examination includes blood tests to confirm the condition of cholesterol in the blood, treatmill test, and cardiac ultrasound.

In addition to routinely check the health condition, it is also important to improve a healthy lifestyle, such as controlling the consumption of fatty foods, as well as regular exercise.

Aerobic exercise according to Andrianto is highly recommended especially for people with coronary heart disease. Because aerobic movement is able to train a person to regulate the incoming oxygen circulation in a light movement. In addition to aerobics, other sports such as cycling, jogging, running, and swimming can also be a fun alternative to sports.

“Sports is one of the best ways to keep fit. For coronary heart patients, mild exercise can maintain fitness. With a frequency of no more than 5-7 times a week, for not more than 45 minutes, “he said.

There are many factors a person may experience coronary heart. It can be caused by excessive stress, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and excessive eating foods containing fat and high cholesterol.

If men have greater risk for coronary heart disease, women are also vulnerable to the risk of this one disease. However, not in reproductive age, but women aged over 50 years and or have entered menopause.

“Women at reproductive age benefit more because they still have menstrual cycles. During the menstrual period, their body actively produce the estrogen. This hormone will protect women from the risk of heart disease and blood vessel disorders, “he said. (*)

Manuscript: Sefya Hayu Istighfaricha

Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh