Sudden Cardiac Arrest

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with increased risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, you may be feeling nervous, anxious, or confused. During this time, it’s important to ask questions, gather information, and learn all you can to help you on the journey ahead. Explore this section for more information about Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

What is
Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a serious and life-threatening medical emergency. During Sudden Cardiac Arrest, heart function stops—abruptly and without warning. Without immediate treatment with defibrillation (an electrical shock to the heart), brain damage and death can occur.

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What Causes
Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest can strike persons of any age, gender, race, and even those who seem to be in good health. Often, Sudden Cardiac Arrest is 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.

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Symptoms

The first and often only symptom of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is loss of consciousness—from lack of blood to the brain. While there are often no warning signs before Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, some symptoms may appear beforehand.

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Treatment

Most people who have Sudden Cardiac Arrest die from it—often within minutes. Immediate treatment with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator (a device that sends an electric shock to the heart) can be lifesaving.

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Questions for Your Doctor:
Diagnosis

After diagnosis, it’s normal to have questions about what to expect next. Learn some important questions to ask your doctor to help you get the most from your healthcare appointments.

What to ask