Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by a change in heart rhythm (sudden cardiac arrest).

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system to the heart malfunctions and suddenly becomes very irregular. 

The heart beats dangerously fast, and within a few minutes, blood flow to the brain will be reduced so drastically that a person will lose consciousness.

Death follows unless emergency treatment is begun immediately.

There are many risk factors that can increase a person's risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, including previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, smoking, hypertension, family history of heart disease, and high cholesterol.

If you have any of the above risk factors for sudden cardiac death, it is important that you speak with your doctor about possible steps to reduce your risk.

Most sudden cardiac deaths are caused by abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of arrhythmias, thereby preventing SCD.

In addition, several dietary supplements that may help with preventing arrhythmias include magnesium, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10.

References:

Eisenberg, M. J. (1992). Magnesium deficiency and sudden death. American Heart Journal, 124(2), 544-549.

Kumar, A., Kaur, H., Devi, P., & Mohan, V. (2009). Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and Meniere-like syndrome. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 124(3), 259-268.

Zhao, Y. T., Chen, Q., Sun, Y. X., Li, X. B., Zhang, P., Xu, Y., & Guo, J. H. (2009). Prevention of sudden cardiac death with omega-3 fatty acids in patients with coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Annals of medicine, 41(4), 301-310.