What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Few medical events can kill as quickly as sudden cardiac arrest, which takes the lives of an estimated 1 in 7 Americans. In this emergency, your heart suddenly stops beating, flutters, or beats dangerously fast. Without the blood they need, your body’s cells quickly become starved of oxygen. For this reason, it’s easy to see why sudden cardiac arrest, also called sudden cardiac death, can kill in just minutes.
However, improving heart health can reduce your chances for sudden cardiac arrest – and it’s also survivable if you receive treatment quickly. That makes learning about sudden cardiac arrest important for everyone, especially those with cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac death most often happens without warning signs. However, symptoms can include:
- Racing heartbeat or palpitations
- Chest pain or chest discomfort
- Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Nausea or vomiting
Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death
Cardiovascular diseases cause about 80% of sudden cardiac arrest deaths, making it avoidable for many people. However, sudden cardiac arrest also takes the lives of some people with heart defects or problems with their heart’s electrical systems. Those who abuse alcohol, are obese, diabetic, have heart failure, or have genetic disorders affecting the heart are also at risk – as are those who have experienced a heart attack, caused by a blockage in one or more arteries. Those who are most at risk for sudden cardiac arrest are men in their 30s and 40s.
Treatment for Sudden Cardiac Death
With immediate treatment, survival rates can be as high as 90% – but the likelihood of survival drops rapidly within minutes. That’s why you should call for emergency medical help if you see someone lose consciousness. If they have no pulse and aren’t breathing, start CPR or chest compressions right away, and if a defibrillator is available, follow its instructions and put it to use immediately.
Reducing Your Risk
Because so many deaths from sudden cardiac arrest are caused by preventable diseases, it’s important to take heart health seriously. Here are some simple ways to do it:
- If you are overweight, lose weight with the help of your primary care physician
- Eat a healthy diet of lean meats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains
- Quit smoking and watch your alcohol intake
- Follow the treatment plans prescribed by your doctor for chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol
- Get plenty of exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week
Working with your primary care physician in maintaining your overall health is one of the best ways to prevent sudden cardiac arrest – and to stay out of Avail Hospital for cardiac events like this. But should the need ever arise, the highly skilled emergency physicians are ready and trained to treat your cardiac event.