CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) within two to three minutes of the event can prevent an interruption in blood flow to the brain.
Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and not using tobacco products are the keys to prevention. Checking and controlling risk factors for heart disease and stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar or diabetes is also very important.
When a person experiences sudden cardiac arrest, quick action (within two to three minutes) is needed to save their life or prevent irreparable brain damage. The two most effective rapid responses are cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Primary prevention of SCD refers to medical or interventional therapy undertaken to prevent SCD in patients who have not experienced symptomatic life-threatening sustained VT/VF or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) but who are felt to be at an increased risk for such an event.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is death due to a cardiovascular cause that occurs within one hour of the onset of symptoms. A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or is not beating sufficiently to maintain perfusion and life.
An estimated 180,000–300,000 sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) occur in the US annually.
Researchers suspect sleep apnea causes abnormal heart rhythms, which lead to sudden cardiac death, for a number of reasons. “Sleep apnea may lower oxygen levels, activate the fight-or-flight response and change pressure in the chest when the upper airway closes, stressing the heart mechanically,” he explains.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attack. A less common cause is a severe spasm, or sudden contraction, of a coronary artery that can stop blood flow to the heart muscle.
“I understand that heart attacks have beginnings and on occasion, signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack.
Strong Emotions, Negative or Positive. Anger, grief, and stress are known triggers of heart problems, but joyful events can sometimes lead to a heart attack as well. It can be triggered by the kind of emotions that go along with a surprise birthday party, a wedding, or the birth of a grandchild.
Their study made the surprising discovery that about half of patients who have a sudden cardiac arrest first experience symptoms like intermittent chest pain and pressure, shortness of breath, palpitations, or ongoing flu-like symptoms such as nausea and abdominal and back pain.
In younger people, the main risk factors are genetic arrhythmias, problems with the structure of the heart or coronary arteries, heart inflammation, and substance use. In older adults, the main risk factors are coronary heart disease and other heart conditions.
A heart imaging test called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) will show a severe ventricular arrythmia or no heartbeat at all. These are all symptoms of cardiac arrest. Sometimes a person is in the hospital when cardiac arrest occurs.
In men, the risk for heart attack increases significantly after the age of 45. In women, heart attacks are more likely to occur after the age of 50. A heart attack strikes someone about every 34 seconds.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. When that happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If it is not treated, SCA usually causes death within minutes. But quick treatment with a defibrillator may be lifesaving.
Epidemiology of SCA and Its Survivors
Survival to hospital discharge after EMS-treated OHCA is estimated at 10.8% (≈19 913 individuals per year)10 to 11.4% (≈21 019 individuals per year). The annual incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is estimated at 209 000 individuals.
Some heart attacks strike suddenly. But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. Chest pain or pressure (angina) that keeps happening and doesn't go away with rest may be an early warning sign.