Sudden Cardiac Arrest

What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The most common cause of SCA is ventricular fibrillation -- a lethal arrhythmia characterized by rapid, chaotic contractions of the heart. While in ventricular fibrillation, the heart is unable to pump life-sustaining oxygenated blood to vital parts of the body, particularly the brain.


According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some factors contributing to SCA include:

  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Electrocution
  • Drowning
  • Choking
  • Trauma
  • Illegal drug use

Death from SCA is sudden and unexpected, occurring instantly or shortly after the onset of symptoms. While there are many contributing factors, SCA can strike people anytime, anywhere, and at any age. Even a seemingly healthy person can suffer a cardiac arrest without warning. According to the American Heart Association, as many as 50% of SCA victims have no prior indication of heart disease - their first symptom is cardiac arrest. For those with a known history of heart attacks, the chance of sudden cardiac death is 4-6 times greater than that of the general population.


Time After the Onset of Attack Survival Chances
With every minuteChances are reduced by 7-10%
Within 4-6 minutesBrain damage and permanent death start to occur
After 10 minutesFew attempts at resuscitation succeed