Drinking white wine and Champagne, eating more fruit, and maintaining a slim waistline have been found to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as per a recent study. Health and lifestyle experts believe that addressing these factors could prevent thousands of cardiac arrests.
The study discovered that a higher consumption of Champagne or white wine, increased fruit intake, a positive mood, a healthy weight, and controlled blood pressure all seemed to offer protection against cardiac arrest. Additionally, individuals with higher education levels appeared to be less susceptible to cardiac arrest, while poor sleep habits and lack of exercise were linked to increased risk.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency where the heart abruptly stops beating without warning. Individuals affected by it suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally. Without immediate intervention, the outcome is often fatal. In the UK alone, there are approximately 30,000 cases of cardiac arrest outside of hospitals each year, where emergency services attempt resuscitation.
The study, which was published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, analyzed 502,094 middle-to-older aged individuals from the UK Biobank dataset. During an average follow-up period of 13.8 years, 3,147 people experienced sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers identified 56 risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest, including lifestyle choices, socio-economic status, and environmental factors like exposure to air pollution.
The researchers estimated that between 40% and 63% of sudden cardiac arrest cases could potentially be avoided by addressing all 56 risk factors. Lifestyle factors played a significant role, with higher consumption of Champagne and/or white wine and fruit intake being protective against cardiac arrest. Conversely, feelings of being «fed-up,» high BMI, high blood pressure, and lower education levels were associated with increased risk.
Lead investigator Dr. Huihuan Luo from Fudan University in Shanghai emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes in preventing sudden cardiac arrest. In an editorial accompanying the study, Nicholas Grubic from the University of Toronto and Dakota Gustafson from Queen’s University highlighted the surprising cardioprotective effects of Champagne and white wine consumption, challenging previous assumptions about red wine’s benefits.
The study’s findings underscore the need for public awareness campaigns to promote lifestyle interventions and reduce the burden of sudden cardiac arrest. By making healthier choices, such as consuming white wine and Champagne in moderation, eating more fruit, and maintaining a positive mood, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
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