5 Factors That Greatly Increase the Risk of Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and many other countries. It occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to a malfunction in its electrical system.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this malfunction claims the lives of nearly 95% of affected individuals, but immediate intervention can offer a real chance of survival.
Cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Bruce Wilkoff notes that “only about 5% of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest reach the hospital in a condition that allows them to survive afterward.” He attributes this to several factors, including the absence of bystanders able to perform CPR, delays in contacting emergency services, or the inability of medical teams to arrive within the critical ten-minute window before severe brain damage occurs.
During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart loses its ability to pump blood due to a severe, irregular rhythm disturbance. Blood flow to vital organs stops, leading to loss of consciousness and cessation of breathing and pulse within seconds. Dr. Wilkoff emphasizes that “it is impossible for anyone to remain conscious for more than four or five seconds after blood flow to the brain stops.”
Key factors that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest:
1. Scarring of the heart muscle
Scars that form in the heart muscle disrupt electrical signals. They often result from conditions such as coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy. Heart attacks, viral infections, certain genetic or autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxins can also cause damage that leads to scarring.
2. Reduced pumping efficiency of the heart
When the left ventricular ejection fraction drops to 35% or less, the heart can no longer pump enough blood, creating conditions for dangerous rhythm disturbances. In such cases, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) can be an effective life-saving device, protecting against lethal arrhythmias and allowing patients to return to daily life.
3. Genetic factors
The unexplained sudden death of a first-degree relative at a young age is a strong indicator of an elevated risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
4. Smoking
Smoking is a major contributor to heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. Dr. Wilkoff explains that smokers who receive an ICD often require more electrical shocks than non-smokers, indicating more frequent and severe heart rhythm problems.
5. Heart failure
Symptoms such as shortness of breath and reduced tolerance for physical activity point to the presence of heart failure, whether or not the ejection fraction is low. In these cases, medication becomes essential. Drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers reduce the workload on the heart, improve its performance, and significantly lower the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
