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'''Sudden Infant Death Syndrome''' (SIDS), also known as cot death or crib death, is the sudden unexplained death of a child of less than one year of age. Diagnosis requires that the death remains unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation. SIDS usually occurs during sleep. Typically death occurs between the hours of 00:00 and 09:00. There is usually no evidence of struggle and no noise produced.
== Sudden Cardiac Arrest ==


==Causes==
'''Sudden Cardiac Arrest''' (SCA) is a critical medical emergency characterized by the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It is a leading cause of death and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.
The exact cause of SIDS is unknown. The requirement of a combination of factors including a specific underlying susceptibility, a specific time in development, and an environmental stressor has been proposed. These environmental stressors may include sleeping on the stomach or side, overheating, and exposure to tobacco smoke. Accidental suffocation from bed sharing (also known as co-sleeping) or soft objects may also play a role. Another risk factor is being born before 39 weeks of gestation. SIDS makes up about 80% of sudden and unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs).


==Prevention==
== Pathophysiology ==
Prevention measures include putting the baby on their back to sleep (not on the stomach), a firm mattress separate from but close to caregivers, no loose bedding, a relatively cool sleeping environment, using a pacifier, and avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. Breastfeeding and immunization may also be preventive. While devices that monitor a baby's vitals are available, it is not recommended for preventing SIDS. It is also recommended that an infant sleep in the same room as the caregiver.
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The most common arrhythmia associated with SCA is [[ventricular fibrillation]], where the heart's ventricles quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood. This results in the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.


==Epidemiology==
== Causes ==
SIDS was the third leading cause of infant death in the U.S. in 2011. About 0.5 in 1,000 babies are affected in the developed world. SIDS is more common among male infants, infants who were prematurely born, American Indians, and African Americans. In the United States, it is most common in the Midwest and least common in the Northeast. The syndrome is rare during the first month of life, increases to a peak at two to three months of age, and then decreases.
Several factors can precipitate sudden cardiac arrest, including:


[[Category:Pediatrics]]
* [[Coronary artery disease]]: The most common cause of SCA, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
[[Category:Sleep]]
* [[Cardiomyopathy]]: A disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias.
[[Category:Infant mortality]]
* [[Congenital heart defects]]: Structural problems with the heart present from birth.
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
* [[Electrolyte imbalances]]: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can affect heart rhythm.
[[Category:Syndromes]]
* [[Drug abuse]]: Use of certain drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger SCA.


{{stub}}
== Symptoms ==
Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as:
 
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Weakness
* Palpitations
* Loss of consciousness
 
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of SCA is primarily clinical, based on the sudden collapse and absence of a pulse. Further evaluation may include:
 
* [[Electrocardiogram]] (ECG): To identify arrhythmias.
* [[Echocardiogram]]: To assess heart structure and function.
* Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances or cardiac biomarkers.
 
== Treatment ==
Immediate treatment is crucial for survival and includes:
 
* [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]] (CPR): To maintain blood flow to the brain and organs.
* [[Defibrillation]]: Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore normal heart rhythm.
* Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS): Includes medications and advanced airway management.
 
== Prevention ==
Preventive measures for those at risk of SCA include:
 
* [[Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator]] (ICD): A device implanted in the chest to detect and correct arrhythmias.
* Lifestyle modifications: Such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
* Medications: To manage underlying heart conditions and reduce arrhythmia risk.
 
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for sudden cardiac arrest depends on the speed and effectiveness of treatment. Survival rates improve significantly with prompt CPR and defibrillation.
 
== Also see ==
* [[Heart attack]]
* [[Ventricular tachycardia]]
* [[Coronary artery disease]]
* [[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation]]
 
{{Cardiology}}
 
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Medical emergencies]]
[[Category:Heart diseases]]

Latest revision as of 22:30, 15 December 2024

Sudden Cardiac Arrest[edit]

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency characterized by the abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It is a leading cause of death and requires immediate medical intervention to prevent fatal outcomes.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). The most common arrhythmia associated with SCA is ventricular fibrillation, where the heart's ventricles quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood. This results in the cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

Causes[edit]

Several factors can precipitate sudden cardiac arrest, including:

  • Coronary artery disease: The most common cause of SCA, where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
  • Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias.
  • Congenital heart defects: Structural problems with the heart present from birth.
  • Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium can affect heart rhythm.
  • Drug abuse: Use of certain drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can trigger SCA.

Symptoms[edit]

Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. However, some individuals may experience symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness
  • Palpitations
  • Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of SCA is primarily clinical, based on the sudden collapse and absence of a pulse. Further evaluation may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): To identify arrhythmias.
  • Echocardiogram: To assess heart structure and function.
  • Blood tests: To check for electrolyte imbalances or cardiac biomarkers.

Treatment[edit]

Immediate treatment is crucial for survival and includes:

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): To maintain blood flow to the brain and organs.
  • Defibrillation: Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore normal heart rhythm.
  • Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS): Includes medications and advanced airway management.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures for those at risk of SCA include:

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): A device implanted in the chest to detect and correct arrhythmias.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.
  • Medications: To manage underlying heart conditions and reduce arrhythmia risk.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for sudden cardiac arrest depends on the speed and effectiveness of treatment. Survival rates improve significantly with prompt CPR and defibrillation.

Also see[edit]



Cardiovascular disease A-Z

Most common cardiac diseases

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