SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST AND SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

What is sudden cardiac death?

Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected death due to cardiac causes that occurs in a short time generally within 1 hour of symptom onset) in a person with known or unknown cardiac disease.

Sudden death is responsible for half of all heart disease death. It is estimated that 7 million lives per year are lost to sudden cardiac death worldwide.

Sudden death occurs most frequently in adult in their mid 305 to mid 40s and affects men twice as often as it does women.

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical system of the heart malfunction making it to either stops suddenly or generates infective and chaotic rhythm. When this occurs, the flow of blood to the brain will be reduced drastically. This will make the individual to lose consciousness. Death follows unless normal heart rhythm is urgently restored by emergency treatment.

What are the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?

In most cases, cardiac arrest occurs without prior symptoms. Some patients have prodromes of chest pain, fatigue, palpitation and dizziness alerting them that a potential dangerous heart rhythm problem has started.

 What are the risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest?

There are many factors that can increase a person risk of developing sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death

1. Previous heart attack
2. Coronary artery disease
3. Heart failure
4. Prior episode of sudden cardiac arrest
5. Family history of sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death
6. Personal or family history of certain abnormal heart rhythm
7. Dilated cardiomyopathy
8. Hypertrophy cardiomyopathy
9. Recreational drug abuse
10. Diabetes
11. Obesity

Can sudden cardiac arrest be prevented?

Sudden cardiac arrest and death occur most frequently in adult in their mid 30s and 40s. It is advisable that any individual age 30years and above should evaluate his or her risk for sudden cardiac arrest and death. This process is called cardiovascular screening. It is usually carried out by a cardiologist.

• If you have any risk factor listed above, it is important to speak with your doctor about how to reduce your risk
• Keep regular follow-up appointment with your doctor
• Take medications as prescribed. Discuss any reservation about this medication with your doctor and seek clarification.
• Make life style change
• You may also need interventional procedures or surgery (as recommended)
• Your doctor may need to refer you to a cardiologist for valuation and management.

Reducing your risk factors

There are certain lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your overall cardiovascular risk and in extension your risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

These lifestyle changes include:

• Quitting smoking
• Following a low fat diet
• Regular exercise
• Losing of weight if overweight or obese
• Managing diabetes
• Managing other health condition

If you are unsure about the way to go about these changes, discuss further with your Doctor or visit us at TAAL specialist hospital for cardiovascular risk assessment