What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming an estimated 325,000 lives each year. During a sudden cardiac arrest, heart function ceases — abruptly and without warning. When this occurs, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in some 95% of victims, death occurs.

While Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a significant public health crisis, it is often misunderstood. SCA is not a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked and interrupts blood flow to the heart, causing heart muscle to die. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating. Most of these deaths occur with little or no warning, from a syndrome called sudden cardiac arrest. The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is a disturbance in the heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation.

The devastating effects of sudden cardiac arrest can be prevented. For individuals identified as at high risk, preventative treatments include both drug therapies and medical devices called implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Once a cardiac arrest occurs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation is required within the first several minutes to restore electrical activity to the heart and revive the heart’s pumping function. Availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is critical for rapid response to cardiac arrest.