Ask the Doctor: Sudden Cardiac Death
With Clifford Johnson, M.D.

How is sudden cardiac death (SCD) different from a heart attack?

They can be related but are not the same. A heart attack usually occurs from a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which are the arteries that supply the heart muscle with nutrients and oxygen. Some of the heart muscle dies as a result of the heart attack.  SCD is the sudden cessation of the pumping action of the heart. This can sometimes be caused by a heart attack, but there are other causes as well.

What causes sudden cardiac death?

There are many causes, but SCD usually occurs in people with some type of underlying heart disease, often from blockages (coronary artery disease). A heart attack sometimes leads to sudden death, but sometimes the heart stops pumping without a heart attack. Having a prior heart attack, having heart muscle not pumping strongly, and some congenital heart disease all increase the risk of SCD.

What are the symptoms?

All too often, the first symptom is collapse and death. Warning symptoms can include dizziness, fainting, and chest pain.

How do I know if I am at risk?

The risk factors for SCD are the same as the risk factors for heart attack. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, inactivity, and cigarette smoking all can increase the risk. In addition, having weak heart muscles (heart not pumping strongly) increases the risk. Having a family member have SCD increases the risk in other family members.

Can SCD be prevented?

Reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, stopping smoking, losing weight if obese, effectively treating diabetes, and exercising may decrease the risk of SCD. (There are some heart conditions for which exercise increases the risk of SCD. Talk to your doctor). Eating a heart healthy diet helps. Light to moderate alcohol consumption (up to 6 drinks a week) probably helps as well. One or two servings of fatty fish (e.g. salmon, herring) per week seem to be beneficial. Certain drugs, such as the statin drugs, may decrease the risk. If you are at high risk due to underlying heart disease, talk to you doctor about what is appropriate for you.

Dr. Clifford Johnson is a board-certified internist at North Canton Medical Foundation. He takes special interest in preventive medicine and sleep medicine. For more information, please call 330-433-1555.