Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Deadly Condition That Can Strike Anyone

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a sudden loss of all heart activity. It can be fatal, but seeking medical attention right away can increase the chances of survival.

Signs and Symptoms of SCA

The signs of SCA include:

• Sudden collapse
• Loss of consciousness
• No breathing
• No pulse

If you see someone experiencing SCA, call 911 immediately and begin CPR.

Causes of SCA

The most common cause of SCA is a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing the heart muscle to die. Other causes of SCA include:

• Electrical problems with the heart
• Structural problems with the heart
• Certain medications
• Drug use

Risk Factors for SCA

The risk factors for SCA include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history of SCA

Treatment for SCA

The treatment for SCA is CPR and defibrillation. CPR is a chest compression technique that helps to circulate blood to the heart and brain. Defibrillation is a procedure that uses an electrical shock to restart the heart.

Prevention of SCA

There is no sure way to prevent SCA, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Get regular checkups and screenings for heart disease
• Control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Quit smoking
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get enough sleep