How Can Death Due to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Be Prevented?

Ways to prevent death due to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) differ depending on whether a person has already had SCA; has never had SCA but is at high risk; or has never had SCA and has no known risk factors for it.

For People Who Have Survived Sudden Cardiac Arrest

People who have already had SCA are at high risk of having it again. For these people, research shows that an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) reduces the chances of dying from a second SCA. An ICD is surgically implanted under the skin. It continually monitors the heartbeat and delivers a shock to the heart when it detects a dangerous rhythm. The shocks can be painful, like a kick in the chest. Medicines can be given to try to reduce how often the person experiences the irregular heartbeats that trigger the device to deliver a shock.

The illustration shows the location of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in the upper chest. The electrodes are inserted into the heart through a vein.

An ICD is not the same as a pacemaker. Doctors mainly use pacemakers to treat hearts that beat too slowly. However, some ICDs also can function as pacemakers.

For People at Increased Risk of a First Sudden Cardiac Arrest

People with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) are at increased risk for SCA. This is especially true if they have recently had a heart attack. For these people, a type of medicine called a beta blocker can help reduce the chances of dying from SCA.

For People With No Known Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The underlying cause of most SCAs seems to be CAD. CAD also is a major risk factor for angina and heart attack, and it contributes to other heart problems. Heart-healthy lifestyle choices can help you reduce your chances of CAD, SCA, and other heart problems. These lifestyle choices include:

• Eating a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats and high in omega-3 fatty acids (see the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Aim for a Healthy Weight Web site).
• Participating in physical activity
• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Treatments for high blood pressure, diabetes, and high blood cholesterol also help lower the risk for SCA.