Manage Your Risks: Cardiac Arrest and High Rise Buildings Are Linked

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If you live or work in a skyscraper, care and caution are advised if you have heart conditions. A new study found that cardiac arrest and high rise buildings are linked.

Cardiac arrests and highrises a deadly combination, Toronto study shows

A new study examining 911 data in Peel Region and Toronto found survival was “negligible” for cardiac arrest victims on the 16th floor or above.

Cardiac arrests happen most often at home. Researchers knew that. What they didn’t know, until now, is this: If your home is a highrise, the higher your floor, the lower your chance of survival.

A new study published on Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal examined five years of health data from the City of Toronto and Peel Regions — areas selected because of high population density. Specifically, researchers wanted to see how “vertical delay” affects matters of life and death. Read More…

While it is certainly alarming to note that cardiac arrest and high rise buildings are linked, you do not have to automatically fear for your life if you do live or work up high. There are certain steps that you can take to prevent a cardiac arrest and its ill effects. Some of them are:

Understanding your risk.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risks depend on 1.) whether you’ve had it before, and 2.) your risk for the condition. Those who have had SCA are prone to having it again, so it is important to follow doctor’s orders to lessen the chances. People with coronary heart disease, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes are also at risk.

Managing your risk.

If you have had an SCA, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is found to have a significant effect on reducing the potential for another arrest. If you are at risk for an SCA, talk to your doctor and take the prescribed medications aimed at preventing blood clots, lowering blood pressure, and generally ensuring you will not have a surprise heart attack.

If you are not at risk, keep it that way by adopting a healthy lifestyle (this is recommended for those who have had SCAs or at risk of one, too). This means: eating food that keep your heart healthy like fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, fruits, legumes, and vegetables – and staying away from red meat, palm and coconut oil, and sugary foods. You should also keep your weight in check, reduce stress as much as possible, and engage in physical activities. If you smoke, stop; if you don’t, don’t start.

Image Credit: Cardiac arrests and highrises a deadly combination, Toronto study shows – The Star

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