Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): Prevention
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. SCA usually causes death if it’s not treated within minutes.
Part of: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Preventing Death From Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)
Ways to prevent death due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) differ depending on whether:
You’ve already had SCA You’ve never had SCA but are at high risk for the condition You’ve never had SCA and have no known risk factors for the conditionFor People Who Have Survived Sudden Cardiac Arrest
If you’ve already had SCA, you’re at high risk of having it again. Research shows that an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) reduces the chances of dying from a second SCA.
An ICD is surgically placed under the skin in your chest or abdomen. The device has wires with electrodes on the ends that connect to your heart‘s chambers. The ICD monitors your heartbeat.
If the ICD detects a dangerous heart rhythm, it gives an electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Your doctor may give you medicine to limit irregular heartbeats that can trigger the ICD.
An ICD isn’t the same as a pacemaker. The… Read more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA): Prevention