Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a scary event where the heart suddenly stops beating due to a severe electrical malfunction. If left unattended, it may be lethal in a few minutes. However, it is possible to survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, depending on how quickly the medical help is provided.
What Are the Chances of Surviving Sudden Cardiac Death?
Survival from SCD is largely based upon how fast one receives treatment. When a person collapses from SCD, CPR and using an AED within the first few minutes really improve the chance of survival. Stats reveal that:
- With immediate intervention through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use, the survival rate can be as high as 40–60%.
- Without immediate intervention, survival rates plummet to less than 10%.
- The most critical aspect of this is the time factor, so knowing what to do can save lives.
How to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death
Not all cardiac events can be foreseen, but there are ways of reducing your risk:
- Manage Heart Conditions: In the case of patients who have a history of heart conditions, arrhythmias, or hypertension, follow treatment according to the recommendation of the physician. Medications, together with lifestyle changes, will keep your heart functioning correctly.
- Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: A proper diet, regular exercise, no smoking, and minimal alcohol will keep your heart as healthy as possible.
- Regular Checkups: If you get regular check-ups, which should include heart screenings, especially if you have a family history of SCD or are more likely to get heart disease, you will know about the problem before it gets worse.
- Know CPR: Learn how to do CPR and use an AED; having this knowledge can make a huge difference in an emergency situation, either for yourself or someone else.
Although SCD is an extremely unpredictable phenomenon, rapid action saves lives. Take steps to protect your heart and empower yourself by learning CPR in order to make a difference if the unthinkable happens.
