Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of unexpected death, occurring when the heart suddenly stops working and cannot pump blood to various organs. Without rapid assistance, it leads to death within minutes.
Each year, more than 54,000 Thais die from sudden cardiac arrest, averaging about 6 deaths every 1 hour. Death from sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning and usually happens quickly. Medically, sudden cardiac arrest is considered a “silent threat” that can happen to anyone, even those who exercise regularly.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is
A condition where the heart suddenly stops beating and cannot pump blood to the body’s organs, especially the brain and the heart itself. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system that controls the heartbeat malfunctions, causing the heart to stop or beat irregularly.
This prevents the heart from delivering blood to the body’s organs normally. Patients experiencing this condition who do not receive immediate help will die within minutes.
Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Ischemic heart disease Coronary artery narrowing or blockage causing the heart to lack blood and oxygen
- Severe arrhythmias (Ventricular Fibrillation or Ventricular Tachycardia): These irregular heartbeats may prevent the heart from pumping blood
- Structural heart disease such as abnormal thickening of the heart muscle (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)
- Other factors such as myocarditis, abnormal potassium or calcium levels in the blood, or exposure to toxins
Symptoms to Watch For
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Stopped breathing or gasping for air
- Chest tightness or pain before losing consciousness in some cases
- This condition usually occurs suddenly without warning signs
Who is at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- People with underlying diseases such as ischemic heart disease, severe arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, history of heart failure or enlarged heart, congenital heart disease
- People with a family history of heart disease with relatives who have experienced sudden cardiac arrest or sudden death from heart disease
- People with lifestyle risk factors
- Smoking increases the risk of ischemic heart disease and arrhythmias
- Excessive alcohol consumption may cause abnormal heart rhythms and increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest
- Lack of exercise increases the risk of heart disease
- Exposure to toxins such as drugs or substances that affect heart function
- People with bodily abnormalities such as abnormal potassium or calcium levels affecting the heart’s electrical system, myocarditis
- Athletes or those who exercise excessively Although exercise is generally beneficial for the heart, in some cases, such as athletes with undiagnosed heart problems, intense exercise may trigger sudden cardiac arrest
Recommendations for Those at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Have annual health check-ups, especially if you have a family history or risk factors
- Control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and blood cholesterol
- Consult a doctor if you experience any abnormal heart symptoms
Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
- Control risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Have annual health check-ups, especially if you have a family history of heart disease
Sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency condition that can occur at any age. Learning basic first aid and how to use an AED is crucial to increasing the survival chances of patients. Additionally, maintaining heart health by managing risk factors and regular health check-ups helps reduce the risk of this condition.
