Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) happens when someone’s heart stops beating. Although, a person may appear fine, they might experience a sudden cardiac arrest the next minute. Here is all you should know about it.
Administering CPR is one of the best ways to increase the survival odds of an SCA victim. However, CPR should be done who has CPR online certification to prevent causing more injury to the victim.
When you see someone undergoing sudden cardiac arrest, you are advised to call emergency helplines and start CPR right away until medical personnel arrive. Cardiac arrest leads to an insufficient flow of oxygenated blood into the brain.
Therefore, when the condition is not managed in time, the victim may die in minutes. In saying that, using a shock defibrillator to deliver electric shocks and restore breathing can help the victim. This could potentially save their life. Additionally, if another person is available near the scene, you can ask them to call for emergency help as you deliver CPR.
An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that detects a change in the heartbeat rhythm and gives an electric shock to restore the normal heartbeat.
Moreover, AEDs are usually available in almost all public areas for emergency situations. Using an AED and giving CPR could potentially save the heart of a heart attack which is why you need to get that CPR online certification.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Statistics
- Every 90 seconds, SCA claims one life
- The likelihood of one surviving a heart attack depends on the effort applied by the potential rescuers
- More than half of the reported sudden cardiac arrest cases are reported out of the hospital and the victims appear healthy, some are even athletes
- Less than 15% of the victims survive, survival odds are higher if the witnesses call and request for emergency
Who is at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The causes of sudden cardiac arrest are not yet established but most point to ventricular fibrillation which is an abnormal heart rhythm. SCA does not happen to a specific group and it affects any age, gender, race, and community.
However, some conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and heart attack increase the chance of one having a sudden cardiac arrest.
Potential Causes of Cardiac Attack
- Heart defect
- Physical or emotional stress
Signs and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Attack
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Fever and headache
- Seizures
Treatment of Sudden Cardiac Attack
The most effective treatment of a sudden cardiac arrest is restoring the normal rhythmic heartbeat. This is accomplished by the use of a defibrillator. Here are the steps to take:
- Call professional emergency services. If there are other people at the scene, let them call for the emergency helpline as you give CPR.
- Ask someone near you to find an AED. AEDs are usually placed in public areas. The AEDs usually have user manuals and diagrams on the side.
After one has successfully survived SCA they need advanced cardiac care.
Prevention Measures of Sudden Cardiac Attack
- Eat a diet with low fats and rich in fiber
- Do exercises regularly
- Manage stress and depression
- Get a healthy weight and keep it
What Else to Do?
- Act fast when an emergency arises and be quick to respond to potentially save the life of the victim
- Search for the warning signs of an SCA incident and familiarize yourself with the signs
- Learn the use of an AED
Conclusion
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can happen anywhere, at any time. Register today with the American Health Care Academy to be better prepared for the future.
