Dilip Doshi, a well-known former Indian cricketer, died at the age of 77 in London. He suffered a cardiac arrest, which is a sudden and serious heart problem. Doshi was famous for his left-arm spin bowling and played for India in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His death has saddened many fans and people in the cricket world. His death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the cricketing fraternity and fans worldwide. The news highlights not only his sporting achievements but also the silent threat of heart disease that claims millions of lives each year.
Cricketing Journey and Health of Dilip Doshi
Dilip Doshi’s cricketing journey was marked by perseverance and excellence. Making his Test debut at the age of 32, Doshi quickly established himself as a reliable left-arm spinner, amassing 114 wickets in 33 Tests and 22 wickets in 15 ODIs. After retiring from international cricket, Doshi lived in London. He stayed connected to the sport and wrote a book about his life. There are no public reports of Doshi having major health problems before his cardiac arrest. However, as people get older, the risk of heart problems like cardiac arrest increases.
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What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. This stops blood from flowing to the brain and other organs. If not treated right away, it can lead to death within minutes. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, but both are very serious medical emergencies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Every year, about 17.9 million people die from heart disease. Many of these deaths are due to heart attacks and cardiac arrest. The WHO says that unhealthy habits like eating junk food, not exercising, smoking, and drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of heart disease. Air pollution can also make heart problems worse.
The report shows that deaths from heart disease have gone up over the years. In 1990, there were about 12 million deaths from heart disease. By 2021, this number had grown to over 20 million. Many of these deaths happen in countries where people do not have easy access to good healthcare.
How to Prevent Cardiac Arrest
Doctors say that living a healthy life can help prevent heart problems. Dr Saurabh Deshpande, Consultant, Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology (Heart Rhythm Specialist), Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, shares some important tips. He talks about “Life’s Essential 8,” which are eight habits that can protect your heart:
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes each week.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Control your blood pressure.
- Keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels.
- Get enough good-quality sleep.
Following these habits can lower your risk of having a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Regular check-ups with your doctor are also important, especially as you get older.
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Conclusion
Dilip Doshi’s death is a sad reminder that heart problems can affect anyone, even those who were once very active. Taking care of your heart by making healthy choices every day is the best way to reduce your risk. As the global burden of cardiovascular disease continues to rise, prioritising heart health through preventive measures and lifestyle changes is more important than ever.