How to Prevent Death by Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

For anyone that is familiar with Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) you know that it can happen to anyone at any time. However, there are people that have a higher risk than others and there are ways to prevent death resulting from SCA.

Three factors to take into consideration when assessing your risk of death are:

1. Have you had SCA before?
2. If not, are you at risk for SCA?
3. Or, do you have little risk of SCA?

Who is at Risk?

Those with the highest risk of death from SCA are:

• Men over the age of 40 who are
• smokers
• and those who have diabetes.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

As cliché as it is, prevention really is one of the best ‘treatments’ for fending off death related to SCA. So, how can you prevent a sudden cardiac arrest? Here is what Canadians need to know about sudden cardiac prevention for the different levels of risk.

Prevention for Those who Have Suffered SCA Previously

For those that have already had SCA, and whose risks are much higher, implantable cardioverter defibrillators are one of the best options. These life-saving devices, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator is “is a device implanted to regulate irregular heart rhythms. The ICD is a small unit with a computer that monitors the heart rhythm and, when necessary, generates an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rate and rhythm.”

Prevention for Those with High Risk of SCA

Those living with a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest are often prescribed medication, such as beta blockers, or offered surgeries, such as angioplasties, to help prevent SCA from occurring. That said, it is important that people in this category take precautions and measures to stay healthy on their own, similar to those with low risk.

Prevention for Those with Low Risk of SCA

You’ve heard it before, but we will say it again. A heart healthy lifestyle is the best prevention for death by SCA. While it is often unexpected and can happen to the fittest individuals, your chances can be substantially decreased through taking preventative actions. A healthy lifestyle includes:

• No smoking
• Drinking in moderation
• Healthy diet
• Physical activity
• Little/manageable stress levels

Easier said than done, we know. But when it’s a life or death situation, sometimes taking the stairs instead one way a day doesn’t seem so daunting.

Want to continue to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest? Take preventative measures, make heart healthy choices, and think ahead and buy an AED (automatic external defibrillator) for your home, office, or other spaces!

AEDs save lives! Not sure how to select the best AED for your location?

Of the wide variety of AED brands available, it is necessary that you select the best AED for your current situation and location. Find out more about selecting the best defibrillator here!