Opening Statement:
According to various recent studies, more than 350,000 deaths occur each year from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). To decrease the death toll from SCA, it is important to understand what SCA is, what the warning signs are, and how to respond to a SCA event.
People often use the term “heart attack” interchangeably with SCA, but they are NOT the same thing!
What is the difference?
· A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage.
· Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs suddenly and oftentimes without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.
· An easy way to remember the difference is that a heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem. These two distinct heart conditions are, however, linked. SCA can occur after or during recovery from a heart attack. Having a heart attack increases the risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
What are the warning signs of SCA?
In many cases of SCA, warning signs and symptoms are present beforehand and should not be ignored:
· Racing heart rate or heart palpitations
· Dizziness or lightheadedness especially with exercise
· Repeated unexplained fainting
· Fainting or seizures during or right after exercise
· Chest pain or excessive shortness of breath with exercise
· Family history of heart disease or abnormalities
What to do if you suspect SCA?
· Sudden Cardiac Arrest is reversible in most cases if it’s treated within a few minutes. First, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services. Then, if one is available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and/or CPR immediately and continue until emergency assistance arrives.
· Time-to-treatment is critical when considering the chance of survival for an SCA victim. Ninety-five percent of those who experience SCA die because they do not receive life-saving defibrillation within four to six minutes, before brain and permanent death start to occur. Learn more about the steps to take when responding to a potential SCA emergency. Knowing these steps could make the make the difference between life and death for the victim.
What can cause sudden cardiac arrest?
· Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death, accounting for up to 80% of all cases. Cardiomyopathies and genetic channelopathies account for the remaining causes. The most common causes of non-ischemic sudden cardiac death are cardiomyopathy related to obesity, alcoholism, and fibrosis.
Additional Facts on SCA:
Age
· Your risk of cardiac arrest increases with age. It's rare in people younger than 30.
· In younger people, the main risk factors are genetic arrhythmias, problems with the structure of the heart or coronary arteries, heart inflammation, and substance use.
· In older adults, the main risk factors are coronary heart disease and other heart conditions.
Sex
· Most cardiac arrests occur in men.
· Women’s risk increases after menopause.
Race And Ethnicity
· Black people have double the risk of dying from cardiac arrest than white people do.
· Black women’s risk is higher than that of Black men.
· Hispanic and Asian people may have lower risk than white people do.
Closing Statement:
While conducting my research, I was made aware that some conditions that raise cardiac arrest risk run in families. It is very important to tell your healthcare provider about any blood relatives who have arrhythmias or cardiac conduction disorders, or had a cardiac arrest. Your healthcare professional will also want to know about any blood relatives whose deaths were early, unexpected, or unexplained, or the result of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Certain genes can cause conditions linked with dangerous arrhythmias. These rare conditions include problems with the heart’s electrical system. Genetic disorders are the main cause of cardiac arrest in children and young adults. As always, everyone should make an annual well visit appointment with their healthcare provider and follow through with all testing that is recommended.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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