Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating, causing immediate loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. Every year, countless lives are lost to this critical public health issue, often without warning. Supporting affected families and increasing awareness of SCD are essential to saving lives.
Cardiac arrest doesn’t only happen to the elderly. Each week, 12 young, seemingly healthy people, aged 35 and under, die from Young, Sudden Cardiac Death, or YSCD.
What is Sudden Cardiac Death?
Sudden Cardiac Death occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop pumping blood. This is different from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart. While heart attacks can cause sudden death, not all of them do. The primary cause of sudden cardiac death is electrical, while the primary cause of a heart attack is circulation.
What are the causes of sudden cardiac death?
SCD can result from various heart-related conditions, many of which may be undiagnosed until it’s too late.
A sudden cardiac arrest stops the heart with no warning and can be caused by a number of reasons:
• Cardiac i.e. heart related issues.
• Lack of oxygen i.e. asphyxiation.
• Electrocution.
• Use of drugs.
• Trauma.
• Poisoning.
• Natural end of life.
What can trigger a sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest can be triggered by certain activities or behaviours, especially in individuals with pre=existing heart conditions.
Possible triggers include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking.
- Strenuous physical exertion or physical stress, particularly in individuals who do not exercise regularly.
- Recent use of recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or marijuana.
- Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, especially in individuals who are not regular coffee drinkers.
- Severe emotional stress in the prior month.
- Influenza (flu) infection in the prior month.
What raises the risk of sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions. Risk reduction can be achieved by addressing modifiable risk factors and managing existing conditions.
Some key risk factors include:
Heart problems:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD): this normally occurs when coronary arteries struggle to supply the heart with enough blood, oxygen and nutrients. Cholesterol deposits, or plaques, are almost always to blame. These build-ups narrow your arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even a heart attack.
- Arrhythmias: An arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, usually means your heart is beating too fast, too slow or irregularly.
- Complications of CAD: Heart attacks, angina, and coronary artery spasms can trigger SCA.
- Structural heart problems: Congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathies, and heart valve diseases can damage the heart and increase the risk of SCA.
- Heart inflammation: Infections or other medical conditions that cause inflammation of the heart can raise the risk of SCA.
- Heart failure: Complications of heart failure can lead to SCA.
Age: The risk of SCA increases with age, although it can occur at any age.
Sex: SCA is more common in men than women, but a woman’s risk increases after menopause.
Race and ethnicity: Certain races and ethnicities may have a higher risk of SCA compared to other ethnic groups.
Family history: Genetic conditions that affect the heart’s electrical system, such as arrhythmias or conduction disorders, can run in families and increase the risk of SCA.
Other medical conditions: Respiratory arrest, diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, and certain medications can also raise the risk of SCA.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
SCD often occurs without warning, but some symptoms can precede it.
Common Symptoms;
- These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or light headedness. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking immediate medical help is vital.
Silent Warning Signs;
- Some individuals may experience fainting or near-fainting spells, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Importance of Early Detection;
- Early detection of heart issues through regular check-ups and monitoring can prevent SCD. Understanding and acting on warning signs can save lives.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing SCD involves managing risk factors, conducting regular screenings, and being prepared for emergencies.
- Lifestyle changes
The risk of SCD can be reduced by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Among these are quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
- Medical interventions
A number of medications can help manage underlying heart conditions and reduce the risk of SCD. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended in some cases to correct life-threatening arrhythmias.
- Cardiac screening
An electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used to detect abnormal heart rhythms and other issues that may predispose an individual to SCD. The ECG is a simple, non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This test is especially useful for identifying arrhythmias, Long QT Syndrome, and other electrical abnormalities. Those with a family history of heart disease, those experiencing symptoms, or those with existing heart conditions can benefit from regular screenings.
- Emergency response
When SCD occurs, immediate response is crucial. Survival rates can be significantly increased through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Community education on these emergency techniques is vital.
Living with the Risk
Living with a risk of SCD requires a proactive approach to health and well-being.
- Coping strategies
In order to manage their condition, individuals at risk should work closely with their healthcare providers. A strong support system and stress management techniques are also important.
- Support groups and resources
People with heart conditions and their families can benefit from support groups both emotionally and practically. To manage the risk of SCD, it is crucial to have access to reliable resources and education.
- Regular medical check ups
Cardiologists can monitor heart health and adjust treatments as needed with regular checkups. The key to prevention is staying informed about one’s condition.
We hope this information helps.
Please get in contact with us if you would like to discuss First Aid training to enable you to feel confident and assist in an emergency. Please call us on 01276 586943 or email us at admin@crosscountiestraining.co.uk.
