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The Most Common Cause of Cardiac Arrest

Several conditions may result in cardiac arrest, which is a sudden loss of heart function. The most common cause of cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

  1. What is CHD?

    • According to MedlinePlus, CHD occurs when the small blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen to the heart are narrowed. MedlinePlus says that CHD usually results from atherosclerosis, a plaque buildup in artery walls. CHD may cause blood flow to the heart to slow or stop, resulting in cardiac arrest.

    Risk Factors

    • Some health conditions which may lead to CHD include diabetes, high blood pressure and high choloeserol, according to MedlinePlus. Lifestyle risks associated with CHD include smoking and obesity. Other risk factors include heredity, male gender and age -- the AHA says that over 83 percent of people who die of CHD are 65 or older.

    Treatment

    • To treat CHD and prevent cardiac arrest, doctors often prescribe medicines to treat underlying conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, according to MedlinePlus. Procedures and surgeries, such as angioplasty, stent placement or bypass surgery, may also be used to treat CHD. Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation and exercise, are also important in the treatment of CHD.

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