Can SCD be prevented?
Reversing Cardiac Arrest The cardiac arrest that causes sudden cardiac death, called SCD, can sometimes be reversed before death actually occurs. This is possible if emergency medical help is immediately available. The widespread use of CPR and defibrillators has saved many lives. Defibrillators are electrical devices that shock the heart back into normal rhythm. However, help must be received right away in order to have a chance of saving a life.
Coronary heart disease is almost always the underlying cause of SCD. So reducing your risk for heart disease or treating any existing heart disease can help prevent SCD. Take the following actions that apply to you to reduce your risk for SCD.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce high blood pressure.
- Lower high blood cholesterol.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Increase your level of physical activity.
- If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose level.
Improving the risk factors you can control will help lower your risk of SCD.