SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST Doctors warn of hidden heart issues

The sudden death of 18-year-old Indian student Vaishnav Krishnakumar in Dubai has raised concerns over hidden heart conditions in seemingly healthy young people.

- BY ASHWANI KUMAR Chief Reporter

Globally, sudden cardiac death among children and young adults is uncommon, occurring in an estimated 1-2 cases per 100,000 people. Nevertheless, doctors highlighted the need for greater awareness and early cardiac screening, particularly for those involved in sports or strenuous activity.

Dr Basma Mohamed Aly El Nager, Specialist Cardiology at Burjeel Medical Center, Al Shamkha, said most such deaths are linked to conditions that often remain undetected.

"Usually, it is sometimes arrhythmia [irregular heartbeat], for example, long QT, short QT [disorders of the heart's electrical system], or some kind of cardiomyopathy [disease of the heart muscle], especially hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy," she said.

"In rare cases, there are congenital anomalies in the coronary vessels or coronary arteries. These are the major causes of sudden cardiac death in young people and teenagers."