It’s crucial to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, as soon as possible. It is distinct from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow is obstructed but the heart is still beating.
An automatic external defibrillator (AED), which is available in many public places, can save lives when used immediately.
Let’s examine techniques to prevent abrupt cardiac arrest because the stakes are so high and could mean life or death. Your risk factors, including whether you’ve ever had SCA, how great your risk is, and whether you’re generally healthy, will determine how to prevent SCA.
1. Survivors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
SCA survivors are at an increased risk of developing another one. Your doctor might suggest an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) operation, which:
- Is surgically implanted beneath the skin in your abdomen or chest.
- Observes your heart rate
- If it notices a harmful rhythm, it delivers an electric shock to bring the rhythm back to normal.
2. Categories with a High Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
If you have any of the following conditions, your cardiology doctor might recommend a beta blocker, statin, or other form of medication to help lower your risk for cardiac arrest:
- A recent heart attack or ischemic heart disease
- Heart disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke
- Elevated LDL cholesterol
- Elevated blood pressure
SCA risk-lowering procedures for coronary heart disease include coronary angioplasty and arterial bypass. In all cases, a heart-healthy lifestyle is advised. Discuss with your doctor whatever preventive measures are appropriate for you.
3. No immediate symptoms
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing a variety of illnesses, including sudden cardiac arrest. For best health, follow these recommendations:
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Avoid smoking
- Consume a balanced, healthful diet.
- Get moderate activity for at least 150 minutes every week.
- Reduce stress
How to perform emergency CPR
If the victim is not breathing, performing an emergency CPR can be a safe measure to save a life. CPR can be done by doing 100 to 120 quick, forceful pushes on the person’s chest per minute. Check the person’s airway if you are trained in CPR. then after every 30 compressions, give rescue breaths.
Just keep performing chest compressions if you are untrained. Permit the chest to fully rise in between compressions. Continue doing this until an AED is available or help arrives.
AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are portable devices that can be used in a variety of public settings, including malls and airports. One can also be purchased for use at home. Voice instructions with step-by-step directions are included with AEDs. They are configured to only permit a shock when necessary.
Summary
To determine if you have a long QT condition, a usual cause of cardiac arrest, genetic tests can be performed. To find out if it is covered, check with your insurance. Your doctor could advise testing additional members of your family if you have the long QT gene.
Your doctor may suggest an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) if you are known to be at risk for cardiac arrest. Your collarbone is where the device is positioned.
You might also think about getting a home automated external defibrillator (AED). With your healthcare practitioner, go over this. When a person has sudden cardiac arrest, AEDs assist in resetting the heart’s rhythm. However, they aren’t always covered by health insurance and can be quite pricey.
