Expert Advises Regular Heart Check-Up From 35 Years.

Dr Jide Owolana, a medical practitioner with a private hospital in Benin, has advocated regular heart check-up for persons above 35 years to curb cardiorespiratory arrest.

Owolana gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Wednesday.

He defined cardiorespiratory arrest as abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness.

He added that “during the respiratory (or pulmonary) arrest, breathing stops. During cardiac arrest, blood flow stops.

“Cardiac arrest means that the heart has stopped beating, but it’s really assessed by the fact that blood flow is no longer detectable, even if the heart might still be trying to beat.”

He warned that cardiorespiratory arrest was the most common cause of the sudden cardiac problem in people older than

He said that regular check-ups could detect early symptoms of cardiorespiratory arrest and could be avoided on time.

The medical practitioner revealed that cardiorespiratory arrest could lead to death if not treated immediately.

He explained that “with fast and appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), using a defibrillator or even just giving compressions to the chest can improve the chances of survival until emergency workers arrive.”

He said, “symptoms of cardiorespiratory arrest are immediate and include the lack of pulse (no pulse), no breathing and loss of consciousness.”

Other signs and symptoms that occur before the arrest include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness and palpitation.

Owolana said most times cardiorespiratory arrest often occurs with no warning.

He advised persons above 35 years to see a doctor promptly if they have bouts of chest pain or discomfort, heart palpitation, rapid or irregular heartbeats, unexplained wheezing, shortness of breath, fainting or near fainting, light-headedness or dizziness.