Sudden Cardiac Death, Cardiac Arrest, and Heart Disease

Sudden Cardiac Death, Cardiac Arrest, and Heart Disease

Heart Disease and Sudden Cardiac Death

In this article

• How Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Different from a Heart Attack?
• What Are the Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
• What Causes Sudden Cardiac Death?
• What Are the Risk Factors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
• Can Sudden Cardiac Death Be Prevented?
• Can Sudden Cardiac Arrest Be Treated?
• What Should I Do if I Witness Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
• Sudden Cardiac Death and Athletes

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function (sudden cardiac arrest). It is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S., causing about 325,000 adult deaths in the U.S. each year. SCD is responsible for half of all heart disease deaths.

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