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Sudden Cardiac Death (Cardiac Arrest)
Key Facts
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is a leading cause of of death in the United States, accounting for more than 400,000 deaths each year.
In SCD, the heart abruptly and unexpectedly ceases to function (cardiac arrest). It is an "electrical problem" caused by a heart rhythm disorder called Ventricular Fibrillation (VF). In SCD, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body.
It is estimated that 95 percent of victims of cardiac arrest die before they reach a hospital or other source of emergency help.
SCD is NOT a heart attack - a condition technically known as a myocardial infarction (MI). MI is a "plumbing problem" in which a blockage in a blood vessel interrupts the flow of blood to the heart causing an "infarct" - an area of dead heart muscle. SCD may, however, occur in association with a heart attack.
VF occurs when the electrical signals that control the pumping ability (contractions) of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) suddenly become rapid and chaotic. The ventricles begin to quiver and can not longer pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
SCD is NOT a random event. Although it may occur in outwardly healthy people, most victims DO have heart disease or other health problems, often without being aware of it.
Without emergency help, SCD leads to death within minutes.
Victims of cardiac arrest can be saved if a defibrillator device is immediately available to deliver an electric shock to restore the heart to its normal rhythm.
People who are at high risk for SCD may be treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), devices that are implanted under the skin. ICDs monitor the heart's rhythm and automatically deliver a short, high-energy shock when the individual develops an irregular heart rhythm that may lead to SCD.
Studies have shown that ICDs are the best way to prevent cardiac arrest in certain groups of patients who are at high risk.


Ventricular fibrillation should NOT be confused with atrial fibrillation (sometimes called "A Fib" or AF). AF is a common heart rhythm disorder that affects the upper chambers, or atria, of the heart. It is much less serious than ventricular fibrillation and is rarely life-threatening. There are a number of effective treatments to control AF and/or reduce the risk that it will cause serious health problems.

 
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