Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition in which your heart comes to a standstill. It is the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. The condition usually results from a problem with your heart's electrical system, which disrupts your heart's pumping action and stops blood flow to your body.

Sudden cardiac arrest isn't the same as a heart attack; however, a heart attack can sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance that leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

How Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Different From A Heart Attack?

The main difference between Sudden Cardiac Arrest vs. heart attack is the underlying problem that occurs in the heart.

Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem and in sudden cardiac arrest, electrical impulses become scrambled and the heart can no longer pump blood (containing oxygen that is necessary for life) around the body.

By contrast, a heart attack is when the blood supply to the heart is cut off due to a blockage in an artery. This blockage causes damage to the heart and the muscle begins to die.

Who Does Sudden Cardiac Arrest Affect?

Sudden cardiac arrest affects both men and women. While it is majorly prevalent among adults who are in their mid-30s to mid-40s, it affects men twice as compared to women.

Symptoms

Signs of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and drastic; however, sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with no warning. These signs include:

• Sudden collapse

• No pulse

• No breathing

• Loss of consciousness

Sometimes signs and symptoms may also occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include:

• Chest discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Weakness

• Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart (palpitations)

What Causes A Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

The majority of sudden cardiac arrests are caused by irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmia and the most life-threatening arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation. Other sudden cardiac arrest causes include:

● Coronary heart disease.

● Congenital (since birth) heart conditions.

● Changes to your heart’s structure because of disease or infection.

● Extreme physical activity or blood loss.

What Is The Most Common Cause Of Sudden Cardiac Death?

Coronary artery disease causes most cases of sudden cardiac death, which is about 80%. In people who are younger, congenital (since birth) heart defects or genetic abnormalities in their heart’s electrical system are often the cause. In people age 35 and older, the cause is more often related to coronary artery disease.

Risk Factors For Sudden Cardiac Arrest

There are several factors that can increase your risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. The 2 leading risk factors are:

- Previous heart attack: Risk of sudden cardiac death is higher during the first six months after a heart attack

- Coronary artery disease: This includes smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol or an enlarged heart.

Some other risk factors include:

● Prior episode of sudden cardiac arrest

● Personal or family history of abnormal heart rhythms

● Family history of cardiac arrest

● Ventricular fibrillation after a case of heart attack

● Congenital heart defects or abnormalities in blood vessels

● Increasing age

● Illegal drug use like amphetamines or cocaine

● Chronic kidney disease

● Obstructive sleep apnea

● Nutritional imbalance

● Dilated cardiomyopathy

● Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Conclusion

Cases of sudden cardiac arrest are becoming common and by learning about its symptoms, causes and risk factors, you can make the right decisions regarding it. If you or someone around you is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest then make sure to call for medical help and seek immediate care.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Hopkins Medicine

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on October 14, 2022