Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

What are Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)? 

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating due to malfunction or disruption of the heart’s electrical system.  When this happens, the heart no longer pumps blood to the brain and other vital organs.  This usually results in death, unless a person receives treatment within minutes. 

What causes SCA?

Arrhythmia (problem with your heart’s electrical conduction system) is the cause of most cases of SCA.  There are also other diseases and conditions can also cause the electrical malfunction that occurs with SCA: coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathy, valvular disease and congenital heart disease.   

What are the signs & symptoms of SCA: 

  • Sudden collapse 
  • No pulse 
  • No breathing
  • Loss of consciousness 

Symptoms that may occur before SCA:

  • Shortness of breath 
  • chest discomfort 
  • weakness 
  • palpitations 

SCA typically occurs with no warning and without immediate intervention or treatment can lead to death.  Giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), or giving check compressions can improve a person’s chance of surviving. 

How can SCA be prevented?

  1. Screening often includes an Electrocardiograms (EKG), Echocardiograms, and a review of family history.  Your Primary Care Physician or pediatrician may refer you to a Cardiologist. 
  • Talk with your health care provider about diagnostic testing as part of a complete heart risk assessment.
  • Locate free or affordable screenings in your school district or community
  1. CPR & AED Preparedness: 
    1. CPR & AED Preparedness: 
    • While we cannot prevent SCA, it is important we know how to respond. 
    • Early Defibrillation is key to survival as mortality increases by 10-12% with each minute between collapse and AED. 

    Ways you can get involved?

    According to Parent Heart Watch, SCA is the number one killer of student athletes and the number one cause of death on school campuses, carrying a fatality rate of 95 percent.   Your donation to the Devin Moore Heart Foundation will help us cover the cost of heart screenings, purchase AEDs for schools and athletic programs and offer CPR education and training in our communities.  We are committed to partnering with you and others to prevent the tragic loss of our children and young adults to SCA.   

    You can learn more about SCA in youth at https://parentheartwatch.org/