Sudden cardiac death refers to a condition in which the heart suddenly stops working. In such a condition, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs of the human body, stops.
The inner electrical system of the human heart regulates rate and rhythm of its heartbeat. Any issue in this system can cause abnormal heartbeats known as arrhythmia. In this condition, the heartbeat can either get too fast or slow and can also result in uneven heartbeats. When that happens, the blood flow to the body may be diminished.
A Top cardiologist NYC suggests two major causes of sudden cardiac death:
Coronary Artery Disease
When plaque builds up in arteries, it leads to coronary heart disease. The coronary arteries supply oxygen rich blood to the heart muscles. When the arteries get narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle decreases. The inadequate blood supply causes a blot clot to form on the surface of plaque. The blood clot can completely block the flow of the blood causing heart attack.
Coronary artery disease is the major cause of sudden cardiac death in adults.
Physical Stress
Excessive physical stress also causes the heart’s electrical system to fail. A hormone named adrenaline is released in the body during extreme physical activity. This hormone increases risk of getting sudden cardiac arrest.
Major risk factors
Signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac death
Loss of consciousness is the first thing to happen, when on the risk of sudden cardiac death. Some people feel lightheaded and giddy before they faint. Within an hour before the cardiac arrest, some people also suffer chest pain, vomiting, breathlessness, and queasiness.
Sudden Cardiac Death is not a heart attack
Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. A heart attack occurs, when blood does not reach the heart muscles, due to any blockage. The heart may stop functioning abruptly when somebody gets a heart attack. However, the heart stops functioning unexpectedly in case of sudden cardiac arrest. This condition may occur after recovering from heart attack or any other severe heart condition.
The inner electrical system of the human heart regulates rate and rhythm of its heartbeat. Any issue in this system can cause abnormal heartbeats known as arrhythmia. In this condition, the heartbeat can either get too fast or slow and can also result in uneven heartbeats. When that happens, the blood flow to the body may be diminished.
A Top cardiologist NYC suggests two major causes of sudden cardiac death:
Coronary Artery Disease
When plaque builds up in arteries, it leads to coronary heart disease. The coronary arteries supply oxygen rich blood to the heart muscles. When the arteries get narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle decreases. The inadequate blood supply causes a blot clot to form on the surface of plaque. The blood clot can completely block the flow of the blood causing heart attack.
Coronary artery disease is the major cause of sudden cardiac death in adults.
Physical Stress
Excessive physical stress also causes the heart’s electrical system to fail. A hormone named adrenaline is released in the body during extreme physical activity. This hormone increases risk of getting sudden cardiac arrest.
Major risk factors
- Undiagnosed CAD is one of the major risks, causing sudden cardiac arrest.
- Excessive intake of alcohol also puts an individual on the risk of getting sudden cardiac arrest.
- Heart attack and heart failure are also the major causes of SCD.
Signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac death
Loss of consciousness is the first thing to happen, when on the risk of sudden cardiac death. Some people feel lightheaded and giddy before they faint. Within an hour before the cardiac arrest, some people also suffer chest pain, vomiting, breathlessness, and queasiness.
Sudden Cardiac Death is not a heart attack
Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. A heart attack occurs, when blood does not reach the heart muscles, due to any blockage. The heart may stop functioning abruptly when somebody gets a heart attack. However, the heart stops functioning unexpectedly in case of sudden cardiac arrest. This condition may occur after recovering from heart attack or any other severe heart condition.
