What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can be caused by a variety of factors, primarily related to heart conditions and other systemic health issues. Understanding these causes is essential for prevention and timely intervention.

Heart-Related Causes

Cardiac diseases are the most common culprits behind sudden cardiac arrest. Conditions such as arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation can severely disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. Additionally, major heart attacks leading to heart failure, or end-stage heart diseases, often result in cardiac arrest. In most cases of SCA, the underlying cause is linked directly to a pre-existing heart condition.

Non-Cardiac Causes

There are also non-heart-related conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. One such factor is electrolyte imbalance, which can disrupt the body's acid-base equilibrium. Severe acidosis, especially when the blood pH drops below 7.0, significantly reduces the chances of successful resuscitation. Acidosis impairs heart function by weakening cardiac contractions and promoting dangerous heart rhythms. Another critical issue is hyperkalemia—an elevated level of potassium in the blood—which can directly cause cardiac arrest. Conversely, hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can trigger arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, or even ventricular fibrillation.

Inflammatory Heart Conditions

Myocarditis

Severe myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is another potential cause of sudden cardiac arrest. This condition can weaken the heart's ability to pump effectively and may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias if not treated promptly.

In summary, sudden cardiac arrest can stem from various heart-related and systemic issues. Recognizing these potential causes can help in identifying risk factors and taking preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of such a life-threatening event.