First some definitions.

Heart Attack - this describes when a part of the heart tissue dies (infarcts) from lack lack of
adequate blood supply (ischemia). This generally occurs when a diseased blood vessel blocks,
cutting off the blood supply to the heart tissue downstream of that vessel. Also called
"Myocardial Infarction" or "Corronary Occlusion".

Cardiomyopathy - this describes a condition where the heart muscle as a whole is weakened and
loses its pumping strength. The heart often becomes enlarged (dilated), or thickened
(hypertrophied) in its attempt to keep up with the task of pumping. This condition can be caused
by lack of adequate blood supply to the heart (ischemia) secondary to coronary artery disease or
by an infection to the heart muscle or it can just "happen" without any known cause. People with
heart valve problems are more at risk of getting an infection in the heart.

Cardiac Arrest - this describes a situation where the heart suddenly stops its normal beating
rhythm. The heart generally begins twitching all over in an completely uncoordinated fashion
called fibrillation. This stops blood being pumped around the body and causes rapid
unconsciousness. The person is at that point "Clinically Dead" (no heart beat) and will progress
on to brain death in minutes if circulation is not restored. Most people that suffer a cardiac arrest
are never revived. Also referred to as "Sudden Cardiac Death",



Laypersons often mistakenly use the terms "Heart Attack" and "Cardiac Arrest" interchangeably.
Most people that suffer a heart attack do not have a cardiac arrest. It is also possible to have a
cardiac arrest without ever having a heart attack.

What actually triggers a cardiac arrest can often be difficult to pin point. Certainly a heart attack
can upset the electrical pathways of the heart and cause an arrest. Also electric shock can cause
an arrest. Having cardiomyopathy *predisposes* one to a higher risk of cardiac arrest, as does
coronary artery disease, and a number of congenital defects.

However, in regard to the discussion of Dr. Atkins and his arrest, whilst his cardiomyopathy
would certainly have put him at higher risk, dietary factors most certainly cannot be ruled out as
a possible trigger of the arrest.

Low magnesium and low Omega 3 are currently accepted as increasing one's risk of cardiac
arrest. I believe MSG has also been implicated and even such things as caffeine and tyramine
(found in matured cheese) and perhaps some spices may have some risk associated with them.
Anything that can raise blood pressure or cause your heat to beat faster might increase the risk
of a cardiac arrest.

The fact that Dr. Atkins' primary heart condition was caused by an infection does not completely
rule out diet as a factor when considering what might have triggered his cardiac arrest.

Having said that, it is important to note, the majority of people that suffer a cardiac arrest are
never revived. Of those that are revived most do not survive 24 hrs without another arrest. The
fact that Dr. Atkins has survived, may well be due to dietary factors also. (In addition to the fact
that he just happened to have a Cardiologist close by at the time!)


Jim Walsh
(Not a doctor, just a heart patient.)