Signs of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)

Sudden Cardiac Death (Scd)

Description

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is death caused by cardiac arrest. SCD is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S. resulting in 325,000 adult deaths per year.

Symptoms

Just prior to SCD patients may experience light headiness, breathing problems, chest pain, and fainting. Some patients have no warning signs.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be done. Extensive cardiac testing will be done to determine the cause of the SCD.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
CT Scan
D-Dimer
EKG
MRI
Troponin
X-Ray

Treatment

SCD can be treated but therapy must begin immediately after the event for the best result. 911 should be called and CPR should be started. New recommendations from the American Heart Association emphasize hands only CPR consisting of calling 911 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. Here is more information http://handsonlycpr.org/. If available an AED (Ambulatory External Defibrillator) should be used since most cases of SCD are caused by an abnormal beating of the heart called ventricular fibrillation and an external shock from an AED given as soon as possible can save a life. It is the combination of immediate CPR and AED use that gives the patient the greatest chance of success.