|
|
||||
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)What is sudden cardiac arrest?Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is usually caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart called ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation causes a quivering of the heart muscle that makes it unable to pump blood through the body. Once the blood stops circulating, a person quickly loses consciousness and the ability to breathe, and will die without effective treatment. What is the treatment for sudden cardiac arrest?The only effective treatment is an electric shock to the heart called defibrillation. The electrical current can interrupt ventricular fibrillation and allow the heart's normal rhythm to regain control. Defibrillation is most effective if it is applied within three to five minutes into sudden cardiac arrest. With each passing minute, the likelihood of recovery drops about 10 percent. After 10 minutes, one's chance of survival falls to about 2 percent. People who survive sudden cardiac arrest have a 30 to 50 percent chance of having a second one. That is why they are often referred to an electrophysiologist, a heart rhythm specialist, to receive an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. How common is sudden cardiac arrest?Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, anywhere, any time. Every day in the United States, it strikes about 1,000 people. Tragically, almost all of them die, making SCA a leading causes of death. In fact, some experts commonly refer to it as sudden cardiac death. Is sudden cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?No. Sudden cardiac arrest is usually caused by ventricular fibrillation, an electrical malfunction of the heart. A heart attack occurs when plaque or clots block blood flow to the heart. Although the heart continues to beat, irreversible damage to the heart muscle begins within 15 to 30 minutes. The longer the blood flow is interrupted, the more extensive the damage done. Treatment for heart attack includes angioplasty – using a tiny balloon to widen blocked vessels – and 'clot-busting' drugs known as thrombolytics. Related Links Surviving sudden cardiac arrest: Wendell's story Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) Cardiovascular disease specialists Emergency medicine specialists |
||||
|
||||
Heart Safe Communities
|
||||
|
||||
Print
Send to a Friend