JAKARTA - Cases of sudden death at a young age are becoming increasingly common, even in those who appear healthy and active. Many assume the cause is a heart attack, but this is not always the case.
Experts explain that arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythms, is now a leading cause of sudden death in people of productive age, including those aged 20-30. This condition often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are subtle, but the impact can be fatal if not promptly recognized and treated.
Dr. Beny Hartono, Sp.JP, Subsp.KI(K), FIHA, FAPSC, a Heart and Blood Vessel Specialist and Interventional Cardiology Consultant at Premier Bintaro Hospital, explained that several factors can contribute to arrhythmia occurring at a young age.
Causes include an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive caffeine consumption, and lack of rest, which are the main triggers that can disrupt the heart's electrical system.
"Arrhythmia can seem trivial because it often has no symptoms, but in certain cases, this condition can be fatal and cause sudden death," explained Dr. Beny at the World Heart & Stroke Day event themed "Don't Miss a Beat, Every Minute Counts" in Jakarta recently.
He continued, cases of sudden death in young people are often caused by heart rhythm disturbances, not heart attacks. The incidence reaches 50–100 cases per 100,000 population.
Arrhythmia can occur when the heartbeat is abnormal, either too fast, too slow, or irregular, disrupting blood flow to vital organs, including the brain.
Dr. Beny explained that there are three main types of arrhythmia: bradycardia, tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. Bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute and is usually treated with a pacemaker to help stimulate the heart's electrical activity.
Meanwhile, tachycardia occurs when the heart beats too fast, reaching more than 100–150 beats per minute, which can cause the heart to quiver without pumping blood properly and require defibrillation or an electric shock.
Another type, atrial fibrillation, is the most common and most dangerous form of arrhythmia because it causes an irregular heartbeat and blood clots in the heart chambers.
"Atrial fibrillation is what we fear most because it can lead to a severe stroke or death," said Beny.
Treatment for arrhythmia can be performed with catheter ablation, a procedure that inserts a small catheter into the heart to destroy the source of the electrical disturbance, or by sealing the heart's ears to prevent blood clots from forming.
Meanwhile, Neurology Specialist at Premier Bintaro Hospital, Dr. Meidianie Camellia, Sp.N, explained that stroke is a serious complication that can arise from heart problems. She explained that the brain requires about 20 percent of the body's blood flow to function optimally. Even the slightest disruption can cause permanent brain damage.
"Around 90 percent of stroke risk factors stem from lifestyle, such as smoking, a diet high in salt and fat, stress, lack of sleep, and minimal physical activity," she said.
As a public education measure, the Ministry of Health introduced the acronym "SeGeRa Ke RS" (Go to the Hospital Immediately) to recognize the signs of stroke: an asymmetrical smile, weakness in movement on one side of the body, slurred speech, numbness on one side of the body, sudden nearsightedness, and a sudden, severe headache.
"If these signs appear, the patient must be taken to the hospital immediately because stroke treatment is a race against time," Meidianie said.
The two doctors emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular medical checkups, and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training as early preventative measures against the risk of arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and stroke.
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