Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)

About Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is death caused by cardiac arrest. SCD is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S. resulting in 325,000 adult deaths per year.

Symptoms

Just prior to SCD patients may experience light headiness, breathing problems, chest pain, and fainting. Some patients have no warning signs.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be done. Extensive cardiac testing will be done to determine the cause of the SCD.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, D-Dimer, EKG, MRI, Troponin, X-ray.

Conventional treatment summary

SCD can be treated but therapy must begin immediately after the event for the best result. 911 should be called and then CPR should be started. New recommendations from the American Heart Association emphasize hands only CPR: pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. Here is more information http://handsonlycpr.org/. If available an AED (Ambulatory External Defibrillator) should be used since most cases of SCD are caused by an abnormal beating of the heart called ventricular fibrillation and an external shock from an AED given as soon as possible can make the heartbeat regular again, and thereby can save a life. It is the combination of immediate CPR and AED use that gives the patient the greatest chance of success.

Medical specialties

Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).