Sudden Cardiac Arrest
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
During a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in over 90% of victims, death occurs– abruptly and without
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
During a sudden cardiac arrest, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in over 90% of victims, death occurs– abruptly and without warning.
Causes and Risk Factors
What are the causes and risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest is usually caused by a problem with the electrical system of the heart, which may be the result of coronary artery disease, a heart attack or other heart problems.
What are the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?
Usually SCA strikes suddenly and without warning, leaving the patient unconscious.
How is sudden cardiac arrest diagnosed?
Sudden cardiac arrest is diagnosed after the event, and may appear as ventricular fibrillation on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
How is sudden cardiac arrest treated?
Once a cardiac arrest occurs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation are required within the first several minutes to restore electrical activity to the heart and revive the heart's pumping function.