Death can strike anyone at any time and place. Examples include deaths caused by old age, illness, and certain events. But have you ever heard of someone experiencing a sudden death? Can the cause be known? So that you are not left wondering, read the explanation below.
Causes of Sudden Death in a Person
You should know that sudden death is indeed under the power of Allah SWT, but it can also be due to specific medical identification. Such deaths are usually caused by illnesses that appear suddenly or have a history. The causes of sudden death include:
1. Problems with the Coronary Arteries
The first cause of sudden death is a problem with the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that deliver blood and oxygen to the heart muscle so it keeps pumping.
When the coronary arteries do not work optimally, blood flow to the heart is also limited. This can lead to disruption, and the heart may stop working. Such a condition can therefore cause sudden death.
You should know that this problem may be congenital, but other factors can also trigger it. In medical terms, the factor is the buildup of fat in the blood vessels, or atherosclerotic plaque. If the plaque ruptures, it blocks blood flow and the heart can stop completely.
2. Pulmonary Embolism
The next cause of sudden death is pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood vessel in the lungs becomes blocked. The blockage in the lungs is usually caused by a blood clot elsewhere in the body, especially in the legs.
When a large blood clot forms, it can cause the cardiovascular system, or blood circulation, to fail. Symptoms commonly experienced by sufferers include a faster heartbeat, chest pain, irregular sleep, dizziness, coughing up blood, and others.
To minimize the risk of this condition, you can take several steps. These include staying well hydrated, exercising actively, avoiding smoking, not crossing your legs often, not wearing tight clothing, and others.
3. Commotio Cordis
The next cause of sudden death that commonly occurs is commotio cordis. For those who do not yet know, commotio cordis is a condition in which a person experiences a disturbance of the heart rhythm, or ventricular fibrillation.
This condition is not present from birth. Rather, it occurs when a person experiences a specific event that strikes the chest area with force. For example, a person in a car accident whose chest slams hard into the front of the vehicle.
However, it is not only accidents that can cause this. For instance, a boxer may receive a hard punch directly to the chest, placing them at greater risk of commotio cordis and death.
4. Cardiomyopathy
Another cause of sudden death is cardiomyopathy. For those who do not yet know, cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. The abnormality or problem is the heart's weakened ability to pump blood.
People who suffer from this disease usually show symptoms. These include swollen legs, coughing when lying down, bloating, chest pain, blurred vision, shortness of breath, and others.
In addition, there are factors that increase the risk of cardiomyopathy. These include obesity, deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, drug misuse, alcohol consumption, and heredity.
If you want to avoid this disease, you can minimize the risk in several ways. For example, eating nutritious food, reducing coffee and alcohol, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and others.
5. Stroke
A cause of sudden death that anyone can be vulnerable to is stroke. A stroke is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is disrupted by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. The brain cannot receive nutrients and oxygen, so the cells within it die.
This condition can leave certain parts of the body unable to be controlled properly. Symptoms seen in stroke sufferers include difficulty raising an arm, numbness, difficulty speaking, facial muscle weakness, and others.
If you want to prevent this so that nothing harmful happens in the future, there are several steps. Avoid smoking, do not drink alcohol, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and get your health checked regularly.
6. Epilepsy
In addition, another cause of sudden death is epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition in which a person suddenly has seizures affecting part or all of the body. This disease is not contagious, and anyone can have it, from children to people over 60 years old.
The exact cause of seizures cannot always be determined, but there are conditions that can trigger them. These include meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes around the brain, head injury, and others. There are also factors that increase the risk of epilepsy, such as heredity, stroke, and others.
To minimize this disease so it does not become fatal, you can eat nutritious food, exercise, and others. You can also take medications recommended by a doctor if you have had seizures, such as topiramate or lamotrigine.
7. Excessive Inhalation of Carbon Monoxide
The final cause is excessive inhalation of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a gas that has no color or smell. This gas usually comes from burning waste or motor vehicle exhaust. Breathing it continuously can damage your internal organs.
Are There Signs That a Person Is Going to Die?
Even though death can occur suddenly, Allah SWT has given signs of approaching death, including:
1. The Body Feels Chilled
About 100 days before a person dies, there are signs such as shivering from the top of the head to the soles of the feet. Allah SWT gives this sign as a reminder of approaching death.
2. A Pulse Felt at the Navel
About 40 days before death, a person will feel a throbbing at the navel. This throbbing is felt when the Asr prayer time arrives. This throbbing is said to be a sign that a leaf bearing the person's name will fall from the tree located at His Throne.
3. Increased Appetite
Another sign is an increased appetite about 7 days before death. This sign can be seen when a person who is ill would normally have less appetite, but instead eats eagerly.
4. A Pulse on the Forehead
Three days before death, a person will feel a throbbing in the middle of the forehead. The light will also fade from the eyes.
5. A Pulse at the Crown of the Head
One day before death, there will be a throbbing at the crown of the head as a sign. However, not everyone notices this sign.
6. Sweat on the Forehead
As death approaches, sweat will appear on the forehead. This is said to be a sign that the person will die in a state of husnul khatimah, a good ending.
Now You Know the Causes of Sudden Death
These are some explanations of the causes of sudden death. The impact of death on a person, especially on family, can bring deep sorrow. Even so, it is important to learn to accept it.
If you have a family member who passes away, you can use Kamboja's funeral services. A range of funeral event organizer services is available, and you can choose the funeral costs that suit your needs.
Kamboja's service also provides good funeral protection. This allows you to carry out the funeral procession through to grave maintenance safely and comfortably.
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The Kamboja team writes guides on bereavement, funeral arrangements and funeral planning to help families in Indonesia.
