News
‘And Just Like That’ plot twist highlights sports-heart paradox
Dec 13, 2021
<strong>Spoiler alert</strong>
The plot twist in the <em>Sex and the City (SATC) reboot And Just Like That…</em> highlights the sports-cardiac paradox, according to Hollywood Private Hospital cardiologist Richard Alcock.
Many SATC fans have been left reeling after the first episode of And Just Like That… with the character John Preston, aka Mr Big (played by Chris Noth), dying from a heart attack after a cycling class.
Dr Alcock said while And Just Like That… is fictional, media attention about the dramatic scene has raised important messages about heart health.
Dr Alcock, an avid cyclist, said the plight of Mr Big highlights the sports-cardiac paradox – cycling, or indeed exercise, although extremely beneficial, does not make one immune to heart disease.
“A lack of exercise is not the only risk-factor for developing heart disease,” Dr Alcock said.
“It is essential to check other risk factors for heart disease such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
“Other higher risk categories include being male and getting older.”
Dr Alcock said while there is no question that exercise is good for the heart, there are cases of exercise-related acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart attack.
Dr Alcock said the heart attack scene draws attention to the importance of knowing what to do.
Actions to take if someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest include:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately – and follow instructions. If you can’t get an ambulance to come to you, drive the patient to the nearest hospital.
- Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) - if the person is unconscious, not breathing or you can’t find a pulse. This will keep blood flowing.
Dr Alcock said everyone should learn first aid because it could save a life.
“The quicker blood flow is restored to the heart, the better the chances of survival and recovery.”
To take a first aid course and learn CPR visit: https://stjohnwa.com.au/first-aid-training/first-aid-courses