A Healthy Heartbeat is a Wonderful Treat: Boosting Survival From Cardiac Arrest and Saving Lives From Sudden Cardiac Death

A Healthy Heartbeat is a Wonderful Treat: Boosting Survival From Cardiac Arrest and Saving Lives From Sudden Cardiac Death
  • Dr. Arun Kumar Chopra — Director - Cardiology at Fortis Hospital, Amritsar
  • Padma Shri Dr. Mohsin Wali — Senior Consultant (General Medicine) at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Cardiology · Emergency Medicine

A well-functioning heart is essential for sustaining life. The common risk factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) and Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), as identified in population-based studies, are the risk factors for ASCVD, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac conduction abnormalities. Smoking directly predicts the risk of SCD. The causative factors vary with age, but Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is responsible for majority of cases of SCD overall. Initial management of SCA is crucial and time-sensitive process, which are aimed at restoring cardiac function and improving the chances of survival. Immediate intervention is imperative to increase the likelihood of a positive outcome. Basic (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols must be performed by trained healthcare professionals to prevent SCD. Preventive measures, such as lifestyle modifications, medical management of heart disease, and widespread availability of automated external defibrillators play an important role in reducing the incidence of SCD. Optimising these interventions help obtain better patient outcomes and save lives. Learning Objectives: • Recognise key warning signs and risk factors asoociated with SCA and SCD across various population, including paediatric, athletic, and pregnant patients • Apply International guidelines like AHA and ESC guidelines for managing cardiac arrest, including appropriate use of diagnostic tests, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols, and post-cardiac arrest care • Enhance public awareness and bystander intervention through providing education on Basic Life Support (BLS), early recognition of cardiac arrest, the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and the accessibility of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in out-of hospital settings • Implement evidence-based prevention strategies for primary and secondary prevention of SCD, including lifestyle modifications, medical management, and genetic screening in high-risk individuals • Manage cardiac arrest in special population, such as athletes, pregnant women, and paediatric population based on the International guidelines and best practises • Optimise emergency responses and survival outcomes through analysing the critical time window for advanced life support interventions, emphasising the impact of early defibrillation, high-quality CPR, and post-resuscitation care on survival rates and long-term patient outcomes