…Researched and contributed by Henry George.
Documents show that beloved TV presenter Paul O’Grady died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
O’Grady passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on March 28 at the age of 67.
His death certificate states that he suffered sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
O’Grady had survived three heart attacks in the past and had also experienced a near-fatal bout of Covid.
Heart disease ran in his family, with both his mother and father having suffered heart attacks, one of which proved to be fatal.
Surviving Heart Attacks
O’Grady’s first heart attack occurred in 2002 when he was just 47 years old.
He responded by adopting a healthier lifestyle, swimming each morning, and taking long walks near his home in Kent.
He had a second, more severe, heart attack in 2006.
After undergoing tests and surgery to clear a blocked artery, he was released from the hospital and prescribed blood-thinning medication.
What is Cardiac Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm.
It can affect all age groups, but it is more common in older people.
Drinking alcohol excessively or being overweight increases the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation.
Arrhythmia can be a complication of a heart attack resulting from damage to the heart muscles.
Damaged muscles can disrupt the electrical signals that control the heart.
Some arrhythmias, such as tachycardia, can be mild and cause symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, and breathlessness.
Other arrhythmias can be life-threatening, including complete heart block and ventricular arrhythmia.
The latter can cause sudden cardiac arrest and can be fatal.
Awareness and Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is essential as certain types of arrhythmia occur in people with severe heart conditions and can cause sudden cardiac death, which kills around 100,000 people in the UK every year.
Common triggers for arrhythmia include viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, changes in posture, exercise, drinks containing caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, and illegal recreational drugs.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to diagnose arrhythmias.
While it isn’t always possible to prevent an arrhythmia, a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of developing one.
Paul O’Grady’s passing serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our hearts and seeking medical attention if experiencing any symptoms of heart problems.
A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is crucial in reducing the risk of heart disease.