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Sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency. A person having sudden cardiac arrest needs to be treated with a defibrillator to send an electric shock to the heart right away to restore normal heart rhythm. Use of automated external defibrillators and CPR can be performed by bystanders. If you survive sudden cardiac arrest, you’ll likely be admitted to the hospital for ongoing care and treatment.

Sudden cardiac arrest happens without warning and requires emergency treatment. Doctors rarely diagnose sudden cardiac arrest with medical tests as it's happening. Instead, sudden cardiac arrest often is diagnosed after it happens with tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiography, MUGA test, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology study, and blood tests.

The risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age and is higher in men and may be higher in blacks. The major risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest is coronary heart disease, but there are other risk factors such as known arrhythmia or personal or family history of sudden cardiac arrest or heritable forms of arrhythmia.

Ventricular fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, causes most sudden cardiac arrests. Other problems with the heart's electrical system, including diseases or conditions that can cause the electrical problems—such as coronary heart disease, physical stress, certain inherited disorders, and structural changes in the heart—also can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest 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. Sudden cardiac arrest usually causes death if it's not treated within minutes.

Nearly all diseases result from a complex interaction between an individual’s genetic make-up and the environmental agents that he or she is exposed to.

Ongoing care—including heart-healthy lifestyle changes and medicines—speech, physical, and occupational therapy rehabilitation, and mental health care and support can help you recover from a stroke and may even help prevent another stroke. Know the stroke warning signs and call 9–1–1 for emergency help if you think you are having another stroke.

Taking action to control your risk factors—through staying physically active, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, making heart-healthy eating choices, and managing stress—can help prevent a stroke, or if you’ve already had a stroke, prevent another one.

Doctors diagnose a stroke by reviewing your signs and symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and results from one or more tests: brain computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT or magnetic resonance arteriogram, carotid ultrasound, carotid angiography, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiography, and blood tests.

The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary. They often develop quickly and may include sudden weakness, paralysis, confusion, trouble speaking, changes in vision, trouble breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and a sudden severe headache. After you’ve had a stroke, you may develop other complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, problems swallowing, pneumonia, and loss of bladder control.