Asha Bhosle Cardiac Arrest at 90: What It Means and Warning Signs in Elders

Veteran

playback singer Asha Bhosle has reportedly been hospitalised after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to statements from doctors at Breach Candy Hospital. The 90-year-old music legend is currently receiving treatment in the Emergency Medical Services unit. While there has been no official statement from her family yet, the news has sparked widespread concern and renewed focus on heart health in seniors.Also read: Yuzvendra Chahal Viral Video: Smoking While Driving Raises Serious Health Risks

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, that stops blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, cardiac arrest is primarily an electrical problem. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, including CPR and defibrillation.

Why does the risk of cardiac arrest increase with age?

According to experts, older adults are at a higher risk of cardiac arrest due to existing heart disease or coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, weakening of heart muscles with age, and irregular heart rhythms. Doctors say that at a later age, like the 90s, the body’s resilience is lower, making recovery more complex and requiring intensive medical care. Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly, but there may be warning signs in some cases. Recognising them early can be life-saving:

• Sudden collapse
• Loss of consciousness
• No pulse or breathing
• Chest discomfort or palpitations (in some cases before collapse)
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue or dizziness

Immediate medical attention is crucial. Delays can significantly reduce survival chances.

Cardiac arrest vs heart attack: What are the key differences?

According to Heart.org, many people confuse cardiac arrest with a heart attack, but they are not the same. While a heart attack is a "circulation" issue where blocked blood flow damages the heart muscle, cardiac arrest is an "electrical" malfunction, causing the heart to stop beating suddenly. Both are fatal emergencies; a heart attack can cause cardiac arrest, but they are not the same condition. A heart attack is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, and cardiac arrest can be caused by an electrical malfunction that stops the heart. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, making both conditions closely linked. Doctors say in a heart attack, you need to call emergency services immediately, while for a cardiac arrest, you call emergency services, immediately start CPR, and use an AED if available.

Treatment and emergency response

In cases like that of Bhosle, rapid medical intervention is critical. Hospitals like Breach Candy Hospital are equipped with specialised emergency teams to handle such critical cases. Treatment typically includes:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Use of a defibrillator to restore the heart rhythm
• Advanced life support in hospital settings
• Continuous monitoring in emergency care units

How can seniors protect their heart health?

While not all cardiac arrests can be prevented, certain lifestyle measures can reduce risk:

• Regular heart check-ups
• Managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
• Staying physically active, as per ability
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Managing stress