What is sudden cardiac arrest ?
Sudden cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. The time and mode of death are unexpected. It occurs instantly or shortly after symptoms appear.

Each year about 295,000 emergency medical services-treated out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States.

The term "massive heart attack" is often mistakenly used to describe sudden cardiac arrest. While a heart attack may cause cardiac arrest and sudden death, the terms don't mean the same thing.The term "heart attack" (or myocardial infarction) refers to death of heart muscle tissue due to the loss of blood supply, not necessarily resulting in the death of the heart attack victim.

Recognizing the signs of sudden cardiac arrest
Causes of sudden cardiac arrest

This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 03/04/09.