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Writer's pictureDr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam

Sudden cardiac arrest


Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It is caused by a malfunction in the electrical system of the heart, which disrupts the heart's normal rhythm and causes it to stop pumping blood to the body.


Symptoms of SCA can include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and loss of pulse. It is important to note that SCA is not the same as a heart attack, which is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart. However, a heart attack can lead to SCA.


SCA is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of SCA, call your hospital emergency number immediately. Survival rates decrease with each passing minute without treatment, so timely action is crucial.


There are several treatments for SCA, the most common being CPR and defibrillation. CPR is a process of chest compressions and rescue breathing that helps to keep blood flowing to the body and brain until defibrillation can be administered. Defibrillation is the use of an electric shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm.


In addition to emergency treatments, there are also several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of SCA. These include:

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

  • Obesity

  • Recent viral infections

  • Family history of SCA


It is important to talk to your doctor about these risk factors and any other concerns you may have about your heart health. They can help you understand your risk for SCA and develop a plan to reduce that risk.


Dr. Karuturi Subrahmanyam, MD, FRCP (London), FACP (USA)

Internal Medicine Specialist


Kify Hospital

Danavaipeta

Rajahmundry

Phone : 85000 23456

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