SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs without warning. If you know what to look out for and how to respond, you can increase your chances of survival in the event of SCA. An individual can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) at any time or age. This is basically a sudden stopping of the heart due to some kind of trigger.

WHAT IS A SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST?

A sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. This happens without any warning, and the person may lose consciousness. A person experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest will likely have no symptoms of an issue with the heart until suddenly he or she collapses.

RISK FACTORS FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

  • A family history of coronary artery disease
  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • An inactive / sedentary lifestyle
  • Heart defect present at birth
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

SYMPTOMS OF SCA

  • Sudden collapse
  • No pulse
  • No breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chest discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness
  • Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart

FIRST AID RESPONSE FOR SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

One of the first steps you can take to prepare yourself for sudden cardiac arrest is to learn how to perform CPR. A sudden cardiac arrest can happen without warning, and without a defibrillator nearby, prompt CPR can make all the difference in the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical condition that can occur at any time. Although it is rare, it is important to know the risk factors and symptoms in order to recognize when it is happening and how to respond. You can increase your chances of survival by learning how to perform CPR and by being prepared with an AED in your facility.

Dr. K. Jagdish Babu
Interventional Cardiologist, Star Hospitals

For Appointments, Call: 040 44 77 77 00