Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The first and often only symptom of Sudden Cardiac Arrest is loss of consciousness (fainting) due to lack of blood to the brain. At the same time, no heartbeat or pulse can be felt.

While there are often no warning signs before Sudden Cardiac Arrest occurs, some of these symptoms may come before Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

Fatigue or weakness
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Heart palpitations
Chest pain

Some people who are said to have died from a "massive heart attack" may instead have died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Chances of Survival

The chances of surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest decrease by 7-10% with every minute that passes without a life-saving shock.¹ The good news is that immediate treatment with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a defibrillator (a device that sends an electric shock to the heart) can be lifesaving. In fact, defibrillation has been shown to effectively stop 95% or more of dangerously fast heart rhythms.²

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