The good news is that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases as you age, but there are ways to mitigate those risks. In this article, we’ll take a look at how the average person ages and how that affects their risk of suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. We’ll also offer some tips on how you can reduce that risk even further!
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected death of the heart muscle. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and can be fatal.
1 in every 100 people will experience sudden cardiac arrest during their lifetime. The risk increases as you get older. For people aged 65 or older, the risk is 1 in 4. for people aged 75 or older, the risk is 1 in 7. and for people aged 85 or older, the risk is 1 in 10.
2. What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
There are many different causes of sudden cardiac arrest, but the most common are heart diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), ventricular arrhythmia (a problem with the rhythm of the heart), and cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart muscle doesn’t function well). Other causes include drug overdoses, sports-related heart injuries, and fainting spells.
3. How Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Diagnosed?
The best way to diagnose sudden cardiac arrest is to perform an electrocardiogram (EKG). This test will show if there’s a problem with the rhythm of your heart. If there is a problem, your doctor may
Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
1. There are a number of risk factors that can increase your chance of having a sudden cardiac arrest, including being older.
2. According to the American Heart Association, the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age. The average age for a person to experience a sudden cardiac arrest is 75 years old.
3. Some of the other risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest include being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, being type 2 diabetic, and having heart disease.
4. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor and start taking steps to reduce your chances of experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
The Warning Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
1. The risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases as you age.
2. There are warning signs that may indicate that someone is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest.
3. If you see any of these warning signs, it is important to immediately call 911 and get help: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, altered consciousness or seizures.
How to Prepare for a Sudden Cardiac Arrest
1. If you know someone who is over the age of 65, encourage them to get a heart checkup. The risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age, and a heart checkup can help identify any problems early on.
2. If you experience any symptoms that may indicate a heart problem, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating, go to the hospital immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own; these are signs that something is wrong and you should seek medical attention right away.
3. Keep your emergency kit stocked with items such as an emergency card, personal identification, medications, and a portable charger. Make sure to know where it is located and how to access it in case of an emergency.
4. exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise helps to improve blood flow and can reduce the risk of developing heart disease in the future. Eating a balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and low-fat foods.
What to do if you experience the Warning Signs of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest
If you experience any of the Warning Signs of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, immediately call 911 and get to a hospital. If you are unable to reach 911 or are not in a safe location, try to perform CPR or use an AED. If you experience cardiac arrest, even if you do not have any Warning Signs, your chance of survival is very high if you receive medical attention quickly.
Surviving a sudden cardiac arrest
1. The risk of sudden cardiac arrest is higher than when you were younger.
2. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk.
3. One of the most important things you can do is to learn how to CPR and use an AED.