SCA is caused by a dangerous heart rhythm that can stop the heart from beating.
Knowing that abnormal types of tachycardia (fast heartbeat) can put you at risk of a dangerous medical condition like SCA can be scary. It’s important to learn about SCA so you, your loved ones, and your doctor can make informed decisions about your treatment.
What is SCA?
SCA is caused by an electrical problem with the heart that causes a dangerously fast heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation). This causes the heart to quiver rather than pump blood. When the heart stops pumping blood, oxygen cannot reach the body and brain. If not treated immediately, SCA is usually fatal.
How common is SCA?
Every year in the United States, 436,0001 lives are claimed by SCA. That’s equal to one life every 90 seconds.1 One of the nation’s top killers, SCA claims more lives than breast cancer or lung cancer.2
The best way to treat SCA is with defibrillation, which delivers an electrical shock to your heart to restore a normal heartbeat. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), is a device that is implanted under the skin and delivers lifesaving treatment on its own, often in fewer than 10 seconds.
What is the difference between a heart attack and SCA?
SCA is not the same as a heart attack, although the two are often confused.
- SCA is an electrical issue.
SCA is typically caused by a rhythm problem that prevents the heart from pumping blood to the brain and organs.
- A heart attack is a plumbing issue.
A heart attack is typically caused by a blockage in a blood vessel to the heart muscle. This can permanently damage part of the heart and can lead to SCA.
What could put someone at risk of having SCA?
- Previous heart attack or SCA
- Family history of SCA or other heart disease
- Heart failure
- Low ejection fraction (EF)
- Rapid or abnormal heartbeats starting in the bottom chambers of the heart
What are symptoms of SCA?
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Julie’s story
Julie suffered SCA while celebrating her birthday and received an ICD. Watch the video to hear her story.
I have the device. That is my insurance policy.”— Julie, patient with ICD
What is my EF number, and why is it important?
EF is the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat. Your doctor knows how well your heart is pumping based on your EF number. If you are at risk for or have been diagnosed with a heart problem, your doctor should check your EF regularly because people with a low EF are at an increased risk of SCA.
How is EF measured? The most common way to measure EF is with an echocardiogram. This is a test that usually takes place in a doctor’s office or hospital.
People with
a low EF are at
an increased risk
of SCA.3
Typical EF ranges4
55–70%
Heart’s pumping ability is normal.
40–55%
Heart’s pumping ability is below normal.
Below 40%
Heart’s pumping ability is low.
Discussion guide and brochure
Read the brochure and print the discussion guide below to bring to your next doctor's appointment.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
