Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo passed away on Tuesday at the age of 27 due to brain death resulting from cardiorespiratory arrest linked to arrhythmia. This was reported by the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital in São Paulo, where the footballer had been hospitalized for the past five days.
The Nacional player experienced an arrhythmia and was substituted in the second half. He was preparing to play the final minutes of the match between São Paulo and Nacional last Thursday at Morumbi Stadium in the round of 16 final of the Copa Libertadores.
He collapsed on the field and was transported off in an ambulance to the hospital. Upon arrival, he went into cardiac arrest and required resuscitation with a defibrillator. Since that time, doctors have kept him sedated and on mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.
What is a cardiac arrhythmia?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. “This occurs when the electrical impulses that direct the heart to beat are not functioning correctly. The heart may beat too fast or too slowly, and the rhythm may be irregular,” explain the experts.
These can lead to sensations such as fluttering, pounding heartbeats, or a racing heart. According to the medical institution, while some arrhythmias are harmless, others can produce life-threatening symptoms.
Generally, cardiac arrhythmias are categorized based on the heart rate. For instance, tachycardia occurs when the heart beats rapidly, with a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, whereas bradycardia occurs when the heart beats slowly, with a rate below 60 beats per minute.
Image: Archive
Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia
However, they elaborated that signs to watch for as symptoms of arrhythmia may include:
- A fluttering sensation, pounding, or racing heartbeat in the chest.
- Rapid heartbeats.
- Slow heartbeats.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
Other symptoms could be:
- Anxiety.
- Severe fatigue.
- Dizziness or feeling faint.
- Excessive sweating.
- Fainting or near-fainting experiences.
If you have any concerns regarding your health, consult your doctor. The Mayo Clinic advises seeing a medical professional if your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. Seek emergency assistance if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
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<img src="https://cdn.bitlysdowssl-aws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Arritmia-Juan-Izquierdo-Enfermedades.jpg" alt="Arrhythmia Juan Izquierdo Diseases"/>
<p>Image: Archive</p>
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<p>The <strong>Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo</strong> tragically passed away at the age of 27 due to <b>brain death resulting from cardiorespiratory arrest associated with arrhythmia</b>. The news was confirmed by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo, Brazil, where he was hospitalized following a collapse during the Copa Libertadores match between São Paulo and Nacional.</p>
<p>Juan Izquierdo was preparing to enter the match as a substitute when he experienced a cardiac event, collapsing on the pitch. Medical personnel rushed him to the hospital, where he suffered a cardiac arrest and required resuscitation with a defibrillator. For the last five days of his life, doctors kept him sedated and on mechanical ventilation in intensive care.</p>
<h2>Understanding Cardiac Arrhythmia</h2>
<p>Cardiac arrhythmia refers to an <b>irregular heartbeat</b>. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition arises when the electrical impulses that dictate heartbeats malfunction, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. While some arrhythmias are benign, others can lead to serious health complications.</p>
<h2>Types of Cardiac Arrhythmias</h2>
<p>Cardiac arrhythmias are classified based on heart rate:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Tachycardia:</b> A rapid heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.</li>
<li><b>Bradycardia:</b> A slow heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Symptoms of Cardiac Arrhythmia</h2>
<p>Recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia is essential for early intervention. Some may experience no symptoms, and irregular heart rhythms can be detected during routine check-ups. Common symptoms include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A fluttering sensation or pounding in the chest.</li>
<li>Rapid or slow heartbeats.</li>
<li>Chest pain or discomfort.</li>
<li>Shortness of breath.</li>
<li>Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom.</li>
<li>Excessive fatigue.</li>
<li>Dizziness or fainting spells.</li>
<li>Excessive sweating.</li>
</ul>
<h2>When to Seek Medical Attention</h2>
<p><strong>The Mayo Clinic</strong> advises individuals to consult a healthcare provider if they experience rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeats. Additionally, seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Chest pain or discomfort.</li>
<li>Shortness of breath.</li>
<li>Fainting or near-fainting episodes.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Preventing Cardiac Arrhythmias</h2>
<p>Taking proactive steps can help minimize the risk of experiencing arrhythmias. Here are some practical tips:</p>
<ul>
<li>Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.</li>
<li>Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol.</li>
<li>Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.</li>
<li>Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques.</li>
<li>Regularly monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels.</li>
<li>Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Case Study: Juan Izquierdo's Incident</h2>
<p>Juan Izquierdo's case highlights the urgent need for awareness surrounding cardiac health, particularly for athletes. Cardiac events can occur unexpectedly and may have devastating consequences. The medical team responding to Izquierdo exemplified the importance of immediate action during such emergencies.</p>
<h2>Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups</h2>
<p>Regular health check-ups can facilitate the early detection of potential heart issues. Many cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmias, may not present noticeable symptoms until they become severe. Health screenings can include:</p>
<table class="wp-table">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Screening Type</th>
<th>Frequency</th>
<th>Purpose</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Blood Pressure Check</td>
<td>At least once a year</td>
<td>To monitor heart health and prevent hypertension.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cholesterol Screening</td>
<td>Every 4-6 years (more frequently if at risk)</td>
<td>To assess the risk of heart disease.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Electrocardiogram (EKG)</td>
<td>As recommended based on risk factors</td>
<td>To monitor heart rhythm and electrical activity.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Support for Families Affected by Cardiac Issues</h2>
<p>The sudden loss of a loved one due to cardiac issues can be emotionally devastating for families. Support groups and counseling services can offer assistance in coping with grief and navigate the complexities of health challenges.</p>
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