Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Overview

Mayo Clinic's large team of highly experienced heart rhythm doctors uses the most advanced diagnostic tests and technology to identify those at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. They also offer patients extensive experience in preventive care for sudden cardiac arrest, as well as expertise in treatment after an episode.

Mayo Clinic diagnoses and treats thousands of children and adults each year who have experienced or are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Mayo physicians have made significant contributions to advancing surgical and genetic testing methods to diagnose and treat children and adults who have hereditary heart rhythm conditions that lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart abruptly stops beating because of irregular, abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) called ventricular fibrillation. The abnormal rhythm is caused by problems with the heart's electrical system. That system is responsible for creating electrical signals that cause the heart to pump blood throughout the body.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked among the Best Hospitals in Heart and Heart Surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota have clinics dedicated specifically to treating heart rhythm abnormalities. Mayo's Heart Rhythm Clinic in Minnesota is one of the largest arrhythmia clinics in the nation and comprises three subspecialty clinics that address the causes and treatment of arrhythmias.

The Long QT Syndrome/Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is one of the largest clinics in the world. Since 2000, the clinic staff has cared for patients with genetic heart rhythm conditions that predispose them to sudden cardiac arrest, such as long QT syndrome. More than 1,000 patients have been evaluated at the clinic.

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic offers the latest diagnostic and heart imaging technology, and genetic testing to detect risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. Mayo Clinic also offers treatment for those who have survived an episode of sudden cardiac arrest. Read more about sudden cardiac arrest diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for sudden cardiac arrest depends upon whether the patient is at risk for experiencing an episode or has had an episode. Mayo provides:

• Preventive treatment — For high-risk patients who have not yet experienced a sudden cardiac arrest episode.
• Treatment after a sudden cardiac arrest episode — For patients who have survived the life-threatening condition.

Read more about treatment options for sudden cardiac arrest.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 325,000 people annually. More than 80 percent of sudden cardiac arrest episodes occur in people who have coronary heart disease, a condition that causes the arteries (vessels that supply blood to the heart) to become clogged, thereby reducing blood flow to the heart.

Sudden cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked, and the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. Like a heart attack, however, sudden cardiac arrest almost always occurs because of underlying heart problems. Ninety-five percent of individuals who experience a sudden cardiac arrest episode die from it.

Read more about sudden cardiac arrest at MayoClinic.com.