Sudden cardiac arrest: All you need to know
Asudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart causing arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in the form of Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) and Ventricular Tachycardia (VT). With this disruption in the heart’s function, other organs of the body also stop receiving blood supply. In the absence of immediate treatment, a person can die. People with a family history of the condition or a case of heart disease are at risk for SCA.
One of the most effective ways to treat an SCA is defibrillation, a technique in which an electrical shock is delivered to the heart. According to a study, survival rates as high as 50% to 70% can be achieved if defibrillation is done within three to five minutes of collapse. Further treatment can be initiated after the person is resuscitated and taken to the hospital.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), small, pacemaker-like devices placed under the skin to reset the heart’s rate and rhythm are often used to defibrillate and return the heart to a normal rhythm.
A recent study of patients with a high possibility of SCA revealed that use of ICDs resulted in a 49% relative risk reduction in mortality, compared to those without an ICD implant. The use of ICD therapy to prevent SCA remains underutilised in India.
The need of the hour is to raise awareness on the effectiveness of this therapy and the fact that it has proved to be 99% effective in treating ventricular arrhythmias – a major risk factor for SCA.
Patients with a family history and baseline electrical abnormalities on ECG require a cardiologist’s evaluation and Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD) if indicated. DISCLAIMER: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned hospital/doctor.