SCA Risk Factors
Risk factors for SCA include:
- Low ejection fraction or weak heart muscle
- Prior heart attack
- Heart failure
- Abnormal heart rate or heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Family history of arrhythmia
- Family history of sudden cardiac death
- Congenital heart defects
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a thickened heart muscle that especially affects the ventricles)
- Viral infection in the heart
- History of syncope (fainting)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) and risk factors for CAD, including smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle
- Significant changes in blood levels of potassium and magnesium (e.g., from using diuretics)
- Recreational drug use.
Sudden cardiac arrest can also be caused by commotio cordis (chest wall impact).
CPR & AED Training
Victims of sudden cardiac arrest need immediate CPR and treatment with AEDs (automated external defibrillators). CPR/AED training is available through several national organizations, plus local hospitals, fire departments and EMS agencies.
To find training in your area, visit the following websites or contact local resources.
- Advanced Medical Certification
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
- American Safety and Health Institute/Medic First Aid
- Emergency Care and Safety Institute
- National Safety Council.
Information about how to provide CPR is also available through the University of Washington School of Medicine.
For videos on how to perform Hands-Only CPR, visit:
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital
- University of Michigan.
Learn CPR for someone you love.