Researchers have discovered that the survival rates from a cardiac arrest increase if the person suffers from it while exercising. The study showed that nearly half of people who experienced a heart attack while exercising survived. In comparison only 15 percent of people who were not exercising survive the cardiac arrest. The study highlighted the fact that the benefits of exercising outweigh the risks.The researchers indicated that the victims who were exercising were more fit than the other victims. It also showed that the people who suffered the cardiac arrest while exercising collapsed in a public place where help would be given much faster.
Heart Attack
The research looked into cardiac arrests that happened outside hospitals in Amsterdam between 2006 and 2009. Around six percent or 145 of 2,517 attacks occurred within one hour or while the victims were exercising. Most of the victims were swimming, working out, playing tennis or cycling. Only seven of the victims were not over 35 years old.
The survival rate of victims who were not exercising was only 15 percent compared to the 45 percent of those who exercised.
According to Dr. Arend Mosterd, the research leader, even though cardiovascular health is promoted by physical activity, it can also result to an acute cardiac attack that may lead to death. Among the more high-profile cardiac arrests of late were among soccer players that led to concerns and placed doubts on the beneficial effects of exercising regularly.
Although sports is not considered a major risk for a cardiac event and rarely happens, it does draw interest when it happens.
Even as the physical condition of people who exercise plays a major factor in their survival from a heart attack, the fact that the attack happens in a public place will result to immediate emergency assistance from bystanders.
The findings of the study were presented by Dr. Mosterd during the European Cardiology Congress that was held in Munich recently. Last March Fabrice Muamba of Bolton suffered a cardiac arrest during a game against Tottenham Hotspur. CPR was performed on him prior to the arrival of the paramedics. Muamba recently announced that he was retiring from playing football.
