Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency where the heart abruptly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, leading to the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Immediate treatment such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation is essential to survival, as death can occur within minutes without intervention. Understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and being prepared to act with CPR and an AED are essential steps in saving lives

WHAT IS SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST?

Sudden cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical disturbance that disrupts the heart's rhythm, making it unable to pump blood effectively. This differs from a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart; however, a heart attack can sometimes trigger sudden cardiac arrest. During SCA, the person loses consciousness quickly and stops breathing.

SYMPTOMS AND WARNING SIGNS

SCA usually occurs without warning and symptoms are immediate, including sudden collapse, absence of pulse, and loss of consciousness. In some cases, people may experience warning signs like chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness before the event, though often there are no preceding symptoms.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

The primary cause of SCA is abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), especially ventricular fibrillation, which causes the heart’s lower chambers to quiver instead of pumping blood. Underlying causes include heart disease, structural heart defects, certain inherited conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and other factors such as a sudden blow to the chest or severe allergic reactions.