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Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Early Warning Signs & Emergency Response Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Early Warning Signs & Emergency Response

Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Early Warning Signs & Emergency Response

Artemis Hospital

November 17, 2025 |
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Early Warning Signs & Emergency Response 9 Min Read | 21

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system suddenly does not work properly; this causes the heart to stop beating. Symptoms begin without warning; that's why people also term it as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

It may be caused by almost any known heart condition, even ones you may not know you have. When the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, the heart fails to pump blood, and then the person quickly becomes unconscious; every second counts.

That’s why it’s so crucial to be aware of the early warning signs, such as chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and breathlessness. And if you ever see someone in this condition, don’t hesitate. Call for emergency help immediately and start CPR if you know how.  Quick action from bystanders can truly make the difference, giving someone their best chance at survival.

Are Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Arrest the Same?

Yes. Cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac arrest are essentially the same. Both indicate the medical condition where the heart suddenly stops beating because of an electrical problem. 

How SCA Differs From a Heart Attack

A heart attack happens due to blocked blood flow to the heart. While sudden cardiac arrest is due to the cardiac conduction system, immediate CPR and defibrillation are crucial for survival in cardiac arrest.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Statistics in India

In India, SCA is a major health issue, according to recent statistics. Annually, about 5 to 6 lakh people (many of whom are under 50 years of age) unfortunately lose their lives due to sudden cardiac deaths.

Additionally, survival rates from SCA in India remain very low, often below 10%, because of insufficient immediate response measures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the implementation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

What it Feels Like Right Before SCA | Early Warning Signs or Symptoms

The symptoms happen without warning; however, there can be early signs or symptoms beforehand that signal a risk. 

  • Racing heartbeat, pounding, or skipping beats
  • Fainting
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness.
  • Lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty breathing during exercise (unrelated to asthma)
  • Seizure-like movements or convulsions
  • Sudden collapse
  • Excessive fatigue, nausea, or sweating

If you notice someone struggling with these signs, provide them sudden cardiac arrest emergency response services: call the emergency number, perform CPR, and use an Automated External Defibrillator (if available).

What are the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Emergency Responses?

The SCA emergency response involves immediate action, such as calling emergency services, starting CPR, and using an Automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.

1. Call Emergency Services

Call an emergency number such as 108 or depending on your location. Give the exact location and describe the condition and symptoms of the person as exactly as possible.

2. Start CPR

Give CPR to the person by pushing down hard and fast in the center of the chest, at least 2 inches deep, 100-120 times per minute (think of the beat of a fast song). Allow the chest to rise between presses. And if you get tired, get help from another person every 2 minutes to continue CPR until help arrives.

3. Use an AED

It is a portable device that can shock the heart back to a normal rhythm. If it is available nearby, quickly turn it on and follow the instructions of the voice prompt.

Note: Every minute without CPR and AED reduces the chance of survival by about 10%. Hence, continue both until help arrives.

Benefits of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Emergency Response

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2600120/Here are the top 5 benefits of the emergency response:

  • Increases survival rates
  • Maintain the blood flow (Perfusion)
  • Restarts the heart (Defibrillation)
  • Decreases brain damage
  • Provides crucial time

Note: When bystander CPR is provided, an individual’s chance of surviving drops much more slowly, only about 3–4% for every minute until they get a shock from a defibrillator.

Conclusion

Every second is crucial during sudden cardiac arrest; hence, you can show the act of a responsible citizen by quickly calling for help, starting CPR, and using an AED. This can save a life and lower brain damage. And even if you’re not a medical expert, your SCA immediate response can offer an individual the best chance to survive and recover.

FAQs

Q1: What is the cause of sudden cardiac arrest?
A: Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical conduction system malfunctions. This causes the heart to stop pumping blood suddenly.​

Here are some health conditions that can contribute to SCA:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms
  • disorganized firing of impulses from your heart’s ventricles
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Severe injury (trauma)

Q2: Can you survive sudden cardiac arrest?
A: Yes, you can survive sudden cardiac arrest if emergency responses such as CPR and defibrillation are provided immediately.​

Q3: Can stress cause cardiac arrest?
A: Stress alone is not a direct cause; however, intense physical or emotional stress can trigger sudden cardiac arrest in individuals having ongoing underlying heart issues.

Q4: What are sudden cardiac arrest prevention tips?
A: Here are some simple and heart healthy tips:

  • Eat healthy food
  • Stay active and get regular exercise
  • Avoid smoking and drinking
  • Get heart screening regularly, particularly if you have a family history
  • Monitor your blood pressure

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