Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating effectively. While SCA can happen to anyone, certain profiles and risk factors are associated with a higher likelihood. This document outlines common profiles of individuals who may be at a higher risk of experiencing SCA.

Table of Contents

Factors Contributing to Higher SCA Risk

It’s important to note that having one or more of these factors doesn’t guarantee an individual will experience SCA. These are risk factors that, when present, suggest increased vigilance and medical attention.

Heart Conditions

Several pre-existing heart conditions increase the risk of SCA:

Coronary artery disease: Blocked arteries can disrupt blood flow to the heart.
Heart valve disease: Malfunctioning valves can strain the heart.
Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle itself.
Congenital heart defects: Structural issues present from birth.
Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, especially ventricular fibrillation.

Medical History

A person’s medical history plays a crucial role:

Previous heart attack: Scar tissue can disrupt electrical signals.
Family history of SCA or heart disease: Genetic predispositions increase risk.
History of fainting or seizures: May indicate underlying heart issues.

Lifestyle and Other Factors

Certain lifestyle choices and conditions can contribute to SCA risk:

Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
High cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries.
High blood pressure: Strains the heart and arteries.
Diabetes: Increases risk of heart disease.
Drug and alcohol abuse: Can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
Electrolyte imbalances: Disrupt electrical signaling in the heart.
Obesity: Places additional strain on the heart.

Age and Gender

While SCA can occur at any age, it is more common in adults:

Men over 45: Have a higher risk.
Women over 55: Experience increased risk after menopause.

Additional Risk Factors

Other miscellaneous factors that could contribute:

Sleep apnea: Breathing disruptions during sleep can strain the heart.
Chronic kidney disease: Impacts electrolyte balance and heart health.
Use of certain medications: Some drugs can cause heart rhythm problems.

It is essential for individuals to discuss these risk factors with their healthcare providers to determine their personal risk of SCA. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and awareness of symptoms are vital in preventing SCA.

Risk Factor	Details
Coronary Artery Disease	Blocked arteries reducing blood flow to the heart.
Previous Heart Attack	Scar tissue affecting electrical signals.
Smoking	Damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure.
Family History of SCA	Genetic predisposition to heart issues.
High Blood Pressure	Strains the heart and arteries.

Author: Donna Ryan lives and works in Tucson, AZ.