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what is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #16917
4 days ago
20

what is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death - #16917

Kimaya

I am a little worried because my brother, who’s in his late 30s, just collapsed while we were having dinner and they said it might be related to his heart. He was healthy as far as we knew — exercised regularly, no real issues. But they rushed him to the hospital and the doctors are talking about sudden cardiac death. I keep hearing that the most common cause of sudden cardiac death is something like coronary artery disease or maybe an arrhythmia, but is that really true? Like, how can something that serious happen out of the blue like that? What is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death? I’m concerned because he had no symptoms that we noticed at all. I've read that many people don’t even know they have heart issues until it’s too late. Is there any way to know if someone is at risk? We’re all just in shock and can’t wrap our heads around it. I mean, what is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death? Are there any signs we should have looked out for, or tests that can help diagnose potential issues before it’s too late? It all feels so sudden and surreal!

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Doctors’ responses

The most common cause of sudden cardiac death in adults is typically coronary artery disease, which is characterized by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This buildup can lead to a blockage that reduces or cuts off blood flow to the heart muscle, sometimes resulting in a heart attack or an abnormal heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Even in individuals who appear healthy or asymptomatic, underlying coronary artery disease can still be present. In younger individuals or those without known risk factors, genetic predispositions or structural heart abnormalities, like cardiomyopathies, can also play a significant role. Arrhythmias, another common underlying factor, can suddenly destabilize the heart’s rhythm without warning. It’s possible, though less common, for arrhythmias to occur without pre-existing coronary artery disease, suggesting a primary electrical issue in the heart. Since symptoms can be absent or subtle, it’s challenging to predict sudden cardiac events. However, risk factors such as family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute, even if some aren’t overtly apparent. Awareness of these risk factors, regular health check-ups, and potentially undergoing screening tests like ECGs, stress tests, or imaging studies, can help uncover hidden conditions. Genetic testing may also be considered if cardiomyopathy or other inheritable conditions are suspected. In some cases, implantable devices such as defibrillators are used for those at significant risk, though this is highly individual, based on a combined risk assessment. After any cardiac event, it’s crucial to connect with healthcare providers promptly for a full evaluation, so the appropriate preventative strategies can be started. Immediate medical attention is critical with any acute symptom, such as chest pain or fainting, ensuring early intervention and potentially life-saving treatment.

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