Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, claiming nearly 300,000 lives each year.

During a sudden cardiac arrest, heart function ceases – abruptly and without warning. When this occurs, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in some 95 percent of victims, death occurs.

While Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a significant public health crisis, it is often misunderstood. SCA is not a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel becomes blocked and interrupts blood flow to the heart, causing heart muscle to die. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating. Most of these deaths occur with little or no warning, from a syndrome called sudden cardiac arrest. The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is a disturbance in the heart rhythm called ventricular fibrillation.

The devastating effects of sudden cardiac arrest can be prevented. For individuals identified as at high risk, preventative treatments include both drug therapies and medical devices called implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

The following risk assessment tool may help you determine whether or not you should see your primary care physician or cardiologist regarding risks for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Assessment Tool

If you feel you should see a physician regarding your risks for Sudden Cardiac Arrest, you may wish to print off this page and discuss the sudden cardiac arrest risks with your doctor. If you do not have a physician and would like some assistance in selecting one that is right for you, call our HealthLine nurses at 406-255-8400 or 1-800-252-1246.

• Have you had a sudden cardiac arrest?
• Has a blood relative died suddenly due to known or suspected heart disease (or been diagnosed with a condition associated with sudden death)?
• Have you had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), coronary angioplasty (balloon) or stent, heart bypass surgery, or been diagnosed with coronary artery disease?
• Do you have, or has your physician ever said you have congestive heart failure?
• Have you or a family member blacked out, almost blacked out, or lost consciousness (syncope)?
• Your ejection fraction (EF) is a measure of how well your heart pumps blood. Has your physician said that your ejection fraction is abnormal or is less than 40%?

For more information please go to: http://associationdatabase.com/aws/SCAA/pt/sp/about