Sudden cardiac arrest, also known as SCA, is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA can cause death if not treated within minutes. 

Only your doctor can assess your specific risk factors for SCA, but common risk factors include previous heart attack or SCA, family history of SCA or other heart disease, heart failure, low ejection fraction (a measure of the heart’s pumping ability), fast heartbeats or abnormal heart rhythms. If you or a loved one has a fast or abnormal heartbeat or other risk factors like prior heart attack, family history of SCA, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions, talk to your doctor about your risk of SCA.