Symptoms and signs of sudden cardiac death include sudden loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest, and absence of pulse, requiring immediate medical attention and emergency measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Sudden cardiac death is usually caused by cardiac arrest and may be triggered by heart diseases such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy. Treatment includes CPR, defibrillation, and medication. Preventive measures include regular checkups, control of cardiovascular risk factors, and a healthy lifestyle.
1. Sudden loss of consciousness is one of the typical symptoms of sudden cardiac death. The patient may suddenly lose consciousness without any warning, appearing to collapse and become unresponsive. This is usually due to insufficient blood supply to the brain caused by cardiac arrest. In such cases, call emergency services immediately and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR includes chest compressions and artificial respiration, with the aim of maintaining blood circulation and oxygen supply until professional medical personnel arrive.
2. Respiratory arrest is another important sign of sudden cardiac death. The patient may suddenly stop breathing or experience gasping breathing. This is usually due to insufficient blood supply to the lungs caused by cardiac arrest. In this situation, in addition to CPR, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can be used for defibrillation. An AED can detect the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary to help restore a normal heart rhythm.
3. Absence of a pulse is another key sign of sudden cardiac death. The patient may not be able to feel a pulse in the carotid or radial artery, indicating that the heart has stopped beating. In this situation, CPR should be initiated immediately, and an AED should be used for defibrillation. If the patient is in a hospital, doctors may use medications such as adrenaline or atropine to help restore cardiac function.
4. Common causes of sudden cardiac death include myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and cardiomyopathy. Myocardial infarction is caused by coronary artery blockage leading to myocardial ischemia and necrosis, which can trigger cardiac arrest. Arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively. Cardiomyopathy such as dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure. Preventive measures include regular checkups for early detection and treatment of heart disease; controlling cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes; and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in appropriate exercise.
Sudden cardiac death is a serious medical emergency requiring immediate emergency care and medical attention. Understanding its symptoms and signs, and mastering emergency skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, can effectively improve patient survival rates. Meanwhile, preventative measures such as regular checkups, controlling cardiovascular risk factors, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.