why do cardiac arrests happen - #13512
I am really confused and kinda scared. Last week, my dad just collapsed at home out of nowhere, and it was terrifying!! The doctors said it was a cardiac arrest, and honestly, I’m trying to process it all. Why do cardiac arrests happen?? Like, he was healthy according to his last check-up. No hypertension, no cholesterol problems, nothing. It just makes no sense. He’s only 55! The doctor mentioned something about electrical issues with the heart, but why do cardiac arrests happen in otherwise healthy people???? I mean, he walked every day, even played tennis sometimes. We don’t have a family history of heart problems, or at least not that I know of, so it feels so sudden and unjust. I’ve seen some stuff online, talking about triggers like stress or even diet—I just don’t get it. Can stress really lead to a cardiac arrest? Or is it about age?? I feel sort of lost, just trying to understand what happened, ya know? Like, can this kind of thing just strike anyone, anytime? Why do cardiac arrests happen?? I’m worried for my mom too; she’s really shaken up. Hope someone can help clarify this. Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Cardiac arrests can indeed be alarming, especially when they seem to strike out of the blue in someone who appears healthy. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. This can be caused by different factors, even in individuals without any obvious risk factors or conditions in their medical history. The primary reason this happens is typically due to an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its normal rhythm. This condition is known as arrhythmia; the most common form during cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, where the heart’s lower chambers quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood. It’s important to note that cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs due to blocked blood flow to the heart muscle. While age can increase risk, cardiac arrest can affect younger individuals too, sometimes without apparent warning. Stress is not a direct cause, but it can contribute to heart problems over time. Generally, underlying issues like undiagnosed heart disease, previous heart conditions, or even genetic predispositions can be factors, even if family history is unclear. Strenuous physical activity, though typically healthy, might trigger issues if an underlying condition exists. In rare cases, conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or long QT syndrome, which sometimes don’t manifest with symptoms, can lead to sudden arrest. Lifestyles that are healthy generally reduce risk but aren’t always a guaranteed safeguard against all cardiac issues. If family history or genetics are concerns, genetic testing and evaluations with a cardiologist might provide further insights. It’s crucial to continue monitoring health update and communicate with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and appropriate preventative measures. Importantly, exploring these elements with a professional can provide a clearer path to prevention and peace of mind, with timely recognition of symptoms acting as a vital step toward avoiding sudden heart events in the future.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.