Sudden Cardiac Death

 Sudden Cardiac Death

Occurs within one hour of the onset of symptoms.

CAD (most common 80%)

(Icy Idiots Chased Hot Vain Chimps)

1. Ischemic Heart disease (MI)
2. Inherited Channelopathies (QT syndrome)
3. Cardiomyopathies (OH, HCM, Myocarditis)
4. Heart Failure (EF less than 35%)
5. Valve disease (Aortic stenosis)
6. Congenital disease (Tetraology of Fallot)

The proximal cause of SCD in most instances is either ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, in a significant minority of cases, asystole or pulseless electrical activity is the initial documented rhythm.

The step to improving outcomes involves the chain of survival:

1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system.
2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions.
3. Rapid defibrillation.
4. Effective advanced life support; and
5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507854/#:~:text=Sudden%20cardiac%20death%20(SCD)%20is,to%20maintain%20perfusion%20and%20life.
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.cir.98.21.2334