Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., but it’s often misunderstood. Knowing what it is, how to recognize it, and how it differs from a heart attack can help save lives.
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction. Blood stops flowing to the brain and vital organs, and without immediate action, SCA is fatal within minutes.
SCA can strike anyone, anywhere — even young and healthy individuals.
Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
SCA occurs without warning so it is important to recognize the signs of someone in cardiac arrest:
- Sudden collapse
- Unresponsiveness
- No pulse
- No breathing or, in some cases, gasping for air
- Seizure-like movement
Signs of fatigue, dehydration, or heat illness in young athletes or active individuals may be symptoms of cardiac arrest, making awareness critical.
What To Do If Someone Is In Sudden Cardiac Arrest
If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest, take these steps to save a life:
- Tap and Shout: If a person is non-responsive and not breathing or not breathing normally, assume it's SCA and begin rescue steps.
- Call 911: Alert your local emergency services.
- Get the nearest AED: Delegate to another bystander if possible.
- Begin CPR: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
- Shock with an AED: Follow the step-by-step instructions from the AED and deliver a shock as needed.
These steps, known as the Chain of Survival, are the series of actions that rescuers (bystanders and/or paramedics) need to take to improve the likelihood of survival following a cardiac arrest.
SCA vs. Heart Attack: What’s the Difference?
These terms are often confused, but they’re not the same:
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an electrical problem: the heart suddenly stops beating.
- Heart Attack is a circulation problem: a blockage stops blood flow to the heart.
A heart attack may lead to SCA, but not all heart attacks result in sudden cardiac arrest.
Who’s at Risk?
While older adults and those with heart conditions are at higher risk, SCA can happen to:
- Individuals with underlying heart conditions like coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, or electrophysiological abnormalities.
- Athletes under physical stress or who have been struck in the chest (commotio cordis)
- Individuals with a family history of heart disease or stroke.
- People who have previously had a heart attack or an episode of cardiac arrest.
- Someone with marked changes in electrolytes in the blood.
- Anyone — even with no known health issues.
How to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest
You can’t prevent every case, but you can lower risk and improve outcomes by:
- Knowing your family’s heart history.
- Getting regular physicals and heart screenings (especially for young athletes).
- Managing risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and balancing electrolytes.
- Learning CPR and how to use an AED.
- Placing AEDs in homes, schools, gyms, and public spaces.
Be Prepared — It Saves Lives
Every minute counts during sudden cardiac arrest. That’s why AED access, CPR training, and public awareness are critical.
National Statistics
- Over 350,000 people in the U.S. experience out-of-hospital SCA each year
- Nearly 70% of those happen at home
- 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) do not survive
- Immediate CPR and AED use can triple survival rates
Want to Know More About Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Check Out These Blog Posts
- Sudden Cardiac Arrest: What To Do
- Warning Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- The Top Myths of Sudden Cardiac Arrest