There are various tragic stories involving sudden cardiac death. If sudden cardiac death occurs, it is often due to a congenital heart defect that was unnoticed.
This same condition can arise at any age, but in the later years, certain lifestyle factors might be the cause instead of a birth defect. In most cases, it usually involves males.
Danger of sudden cardiac death
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is different from myocardial infarction which occurs once the coronary artery is blocked and blood is not delivered to the heart. SCD is an electrical issue involving an erratic heart rhythm such as asystole, ventricular fibrillation or pulseless electrical activity. With life-saving measures, the condition can be deadly.
In one study, it was calculated that a man at the age of 45 has around one-in-nine chance of dying from SCD while a woman of the same age has a one-in-30 chance. In a press release by Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, screening for conditions that are uncommon and less deadly than sudden cardiac death is carried out.
If an individual is considered high risk for the condition, certain techniques such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator can be used. Nevertheless, the fact lingers that most SCD victims do not have a history of heart disease. These victims simply die if prompt help is not provided.
If an individual is suffering from SCD, call 911 right away. Start CPR to preserve blood flow. Request someone to look for an automated external defibrillator (AED).
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LEARN MORE
Learn how to help by enrolling in a first aid and CPR class and for more information, check out these sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/qa/what-is-cardiopulmonary-resuscitationcpr
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/automated-external-defibrillators-aed-treatment