October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States and kills one person every 90 seconds (1,000 people a day). In this segment, I explain what it is, how to treat it, and how to we might prevent it.
What I’ll Cover…
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) — and is it the same as a heart attack?
- They are very different but linked.
What are the risk factors for SCA?
- A previous heart attack and existing heart disease significantly increase the risk of SCA.
What triggers SCA?
The heart’s electrical system may fail from the following:
- Physical stress
- Arrhythmias
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Chronic kidney disease
- Structural changes in the heart
- Scar tissue that damages the heart’s electrical system
What are the five most common places for out-of-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrests?
- Golf courses
- Airports
- Shopping malls
- Stadiums
- Jails
What is the SCA Survival Rate?
- Less than 7% survive
Can Sudden Cardiac Arrest Be Prevented?
Researchers found that people that followed all four lifestyle factors (below) lowered their risk of sudden cardiac arrest by 92% compared to those who did not adhere to the following “Low-Risk Lifestyle”:
- Weight – Reduce belly fat and maintain a BMI (body mass index) of less than 25
- Smoking – Not currently smoking
- Exercise – Regular participation in moderate or vigorous intensity activity for 30 minutes per day or longer
- Diet – Follow a whole food, plant-centered eating plan that includes:
- High intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes
- Optimal ratio of heart-healthy monounsaturated
- Low intake of red and processed meat
- Daily intake of omega-3 fats
- Moderate intake of alcohol (0.5-1 drink/day)
Karen’s Fit Tip: Know CPR, be familiar with the location of an AED, and also know “How to STOP a Heart Attack” to reduce heart damage and risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Download your FREE Guide: “How to Stop a Heart Attack” here.
