AI Overview

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating normally. This prevents blood from being pumped to the body’s vital organs, including the brain.
Causes:
SCA can be caused by various factors, including:
• Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy)
• Electrical problems with the heart (e.g., arrhythmias)
• Structural defects in the heart
• Genetic conditions
• Drug overdose
Symptoms:
SCA often occurs without warning. However, some people may experience symptoms such as:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Fainting
• Seizure-like activity
Risk Factors:
People at higher risk of SCA include those with:
• Heart disease
• Family history of SCA
• Certain genetic conditions
• Athletes (especially young athletes)
• People with certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, stimulants)
Diagnosis and Treatment:
SCA is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is experiencing SCA, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will perform CPR and may use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore the heart’s rhythm.
Prevention:
To reduce the risk of SCA, it’s important to:
• Manage heart disease effectively
• Live a healthy lifestyle (e.g., exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, avoid smoking)
• Get regular checkups
• Discuss any concerns about SCA with your doctor
• Sudden cardiac arrest – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Dec 7, 2024 — Heart conditions that can cause sudden cardiac arrest include: – Coronary artery disease. … – Heart atta…

Mayo Clinic
• Sudden cardiac arrest – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Dec 7, 2024 — Sometimes other symptoms occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include: Chest discomfort. Shortness of breath…

Mayo Clinic
• Show all
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.