Many people with SCA had a silent heart attack before the SCA happened. These people have no obvious signs of having a heart attack, and they don't even realize that they've had one. The chances for having SCA are higher during the first 6 months after a heart attack. The risk factors for developing SCA include:
- Smoking
- A family history of early cardiovascular disease (that is, heart disease diagnosed before age 55 in your father or a brother, or heart disease diagnosed before age 65 in your mother or a sister)
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Increasing age (risk increases for men after age 45 and for women after age 55)
- High blood pressure
- Overweight and obesity
- Lack of physical activity
Other Risk Factors
- A personal or family history of SCA
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Birth defects of the heart or blood vessels, or an enlarged heart
- Heart failure
- Recreational drug abuse
Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Usually, the first sign of sudden cardiac arrest is loss of consciousness, which is similar to fainting. At the same time, breathing often stops and no heartbeat (or pulse) can be felt. Some people may first notice that they have a racing heartbeat or feel dizzy or lightheaded just before they faint.
Diagnosing Sudden Cardiac
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) happens without warning and requires immediate treatment. Rarely is there a chance to diagnose it with medical tests as it is happening. Instead, SCA is often diagnosed after it happens, by ruling out other causes of the patient's sudden collapse.
People who may be at high risk for SCA can see a cardiologist (heart specialist) who can decide whether they need preventive treatments. Some cardiologists specialize in recognizing and treating problems with the electrical system of the heart. These specialists are called electrophysiologists.