Summary about Disease
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart abruptly stops beating effectively, leading to a cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It's a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention. Unlike a heart attack, which involves a blockage in a coronary artery, SCA is primarily an electrical problem that disrupts the heart's rhythm. Without rapid treatment, SCA can lead to death within minutes.
Symptoms
The hallmark of SCA is sudden loss of consciousness. Prior to this, some individuals may experience:
Sudden collapse
No pulse
No breathing
Dizziness or lightheadedness (shortly before collapse)
Chest pain or discomfort (shortly before collapse)
Shortness of breath (shortly before collapse)
Palpitations (a feeling of racing or fluttering heartbeat)
Causes
SCA is most often caused by an underlying heart condition, with the most common being:
Ventricular fibrillation: A chaotic, irregular heart rhythm in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart).
Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Cardiomyopathy: Thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle.
Heart valve problems: Such as aortic stenosis.
Congenital heart defects: Heart defects present at birth.
Long QT syndrome: An inherited disorder that affects the heart's electrical activity.
Brugada syndrome: A genetic disorder that increases the risk of SCA.
Electrolyte imbalances: Such as low potassium or magnesium.
Drug use: Especially stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine.
Severe blood loss or trauma
Medicine Used
Medications are used to treat underlying heart conditions that increase the risk of SCA, and to manage the condition after resuscitation. Some examples include:
Antiarrhythmics: To prevent or control abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., amiodarone, lidocaine).
Beta-blockers: To slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol).
ACE inhibitors: To lower blood pressure and improve heart function (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril).
Statins: To lower cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in arteries (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin).
Epinephrine (adrenaline): Administered during cardiac arrest to stimulate the heart.
Is Communicable
No, sudden cardiac arrest is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Manage underlying heart conditions: Work with a doctor to control risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
Know your family history: If you have a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac arrest, talk to your doctor.
Learn CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing SCA.
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness: Know the locations of AEDs in public places and how to use them.
Avoid illicit drug use.
Regular medical checkups
How long does an outbreak last?
SCA is not an infectious disease and does not occur in outbreaks like viral or bacterial infections. It is an individual event caused by an underlying heart condition or other factors.
How is it diagnosed?
SCA is usually diagnosed after it occurs. The diagnosis is based on:
Lack of pulse and breathing
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): To identify the underlying heart rhythm problem.
Echocardiogram: To assess the structure and function of the heart.
Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances, heart damage (cardiac enzymes), and other abnormalities.
Coronary angiography: To visualize the coronary arteries and identify blockages.
Electrophysiology study (EPS): To evaluate the heart's electrical system and identify the source of abnormal rhythms.
Genetic testing: In some cases, to identify inherited heart conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of SCA is usually very rapid.
Seconds before: Possible dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath. Often, there are no warning signs.
At the moment of SCA: Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing.
Within minutes: Brain damage begins if blood flow is not restored. Death occurs without immediate intervention.
Important Considerations
Time is critical: Every minute without CPR and defibrillation decreases the chances of survival.
CPR and defibrillation: These are the most important immediate treatments for SCA.
Underlying heart conditions: Identifying and treating underlying heart conditions is crucial for preventing future events.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): An ICD is a device that can be implanted in the chest to monitor the heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal rhythm if SCA occurs.
Public awareness: Education about SCA, CPR, and AEDs is essential to improve survival rates.
Emotional Support: Surviving SCA can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. Both the survivor and their families often need support.