What Risk Factors Predispose a Patient to Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

July 2, 2021

Sudden cardiac arrest is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. Sudden Cardiac Arrest usually results from an electrical disturbance in the heart. It is not the same as a heart attack.

Who Can Go into SCA?

SCA can happen to anyone of any age, gender, race, and even those who seem to be in great health. Oftentimes, when a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest, it is because of an undetected heart condition. Some of those heart conditions include:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

• Long QT Syndrome

• Coronary Artery Anomalies

• Idiopathic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

• Wolff-Parkinson-White
 

Symptoms That Can Put You at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

• Fainting or seizure

• Chest pain or discomfort during or after exertion

• Racing heartbeat

• Unusual shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after physical activity

• Unusual fatigue or tiredness

• Family history of heart disease

• Family history of unexpected death

• Unexplained death of family member under the age of 50

Steps To Take If Someone Is Experiencing SCA
 

• Call 9-1-1

• Immediately start performing CPR (100-120 chest compressions per minute)

• Use an AED as soon as possible.

It is very important to act immediately if someone is suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Every second that goes by without treatment hurts the person’s chances of survival.

To learn more about Defibtech and to join us on our quest to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest, visit www.Defibtech.com.

Sources:

https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/what-is-sca/

https://parentheartwatch.org/resources/sca-prevention/warning-signs-risk-factors/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634#:~:text=A%20personal%20or%20family%20history,such%20as%20cocaine%20or%20amphetamines