Breaking Down the Risks and Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Understanding What Affects Both Men and Women

Every year, around 350,000 individuals experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. With almost 90 percent of cases resulting in death, this is a serious condition that can affect anyone. Surprisingly, 40 percent of these episodes involve women. While men and women may exhibit different symptoms of heart disease, the risks associated with sudden cardiac arrest also vary based on gender.

Nancy Dagefoerde, an advanced practice nurse at the OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, explains that sudden cardiac arrest can occur in any adult, especially those aged 30 and above. Factors such as family history, risk factors, and congenital heart defects can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This condition arises from an irregular heartbeat known as an arrhythmia, which causes the heart to stop beating or lose electrical activity completely, resulting in the affected person displaying no breathing or pulse.

Sarah Shoemaker, a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare, emphasizes the distinction between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack. Despite lingering stigma around mental health, more individuals are seeking treatment when needed. For pregnant women contemplating the safety of medications like Zoloft or Prozac, Shoemaker advises discussing these concerns with a healthcare provider early on, preferably before conception.

Shoemaker explains that some women spend years finding the right medication combination to maintain stability and health. In such cases, providers aim to minimize disruptions to established medication regimens by relying on a case-by-case evaluation of the benefits and risks. If adjustments are necessary