What causes sudden cardiac death in elderly?

Lack of physical activity. A personal or family history of SCA. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Birth defects of the heart or blood vessels, or an enlarged heart.

What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in older adults?

If you see someone who’s unconscious and not breathing normally, do the following: Call 911 or emergency medical help. If you have immediate access to a telephone, call before beginning CPR . Perform CPR .

Does cardiac arrest mean death?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. When that happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If it is not treated, SCA usually causes death within minutes. But quick treatment with a defibrillator may be lifesaving.

Can cardiac arrest happen to a healthy person?

Why sudden cardiac arrest happens is not clearly understood. It is most often caused by a dangerous heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation. SCA can happen to anyone at any age. But the risk is greater among certain people.

Can you recover from sudden cardiac arrest?

Most people who experience cardiac arrest do not survive. Among those who do, there is risk of neurologic dysfunction, brain injury, disorders of consciousness, neurocognitive deficits, changes in quality of life, as well as physical and psychological wellbeing.

What are the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. Some 350,000 cases occur each year outside of a hospital, and the survival rate is less than 12 percent. CPR can double or triple the chances of survival.

How long do people live after sudden cardiac arrest?

The expected long-term survival rate among this population of patients who had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation was 79 percent five years after discharge.