There are several risk factors that can contribute to sudden cardiac arrest. You may be considered at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest if you have had an arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). In some cases, patients are considered at high risk for VT or VF without a previous episode of VT or VF. This may include you, if you have had a heart attack or have a condition like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, or a genetic heart rhythm disorder. If you think you may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, you have options. Talk to your physician about effective preventative measures that can protect you from sudden cardiac arrest.
Are there symptoms that precede sudden cardiac arrest?
Although there are often no warning signs, some of these symptoms may come before sudden cardiac arrest.
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
Sudden cardiac arrest usually strikes suddenly and results in collapse and loss of consciousness, breath, and pulse. With few warning signs, it is difficult to predict when sudden cardiac arrest will occur, and according to the American Heart Association, approximately 95% of sufferers die before they ever reach the hospital.1 But don’t worry, there are safe and effective treatment options that can protect you from sudden cardiac arrest.
What are my treatment options?
References:
1. American Heart Association. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4481. Accessed on December 6, 2010.
