What is Sudden Cardiac Death?

The heart’s electrical system controls the heartbeat. When this system fails, it may trigger a dangerously fast heartbeat. This fast heartbeat causes the heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to the body and brain. When this happens, you can suddenly pass out. This is sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It occurs without warning. Without treatment, death occurs in minutes. This is sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Watch a short video explaining sudden cardiac death

SCD has No Warning Signs

Electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop beating effectively

The heart cannot supply blood to the body & brain

Unlike a heart attack, there are no signs or symptoms

Victim suddenly passes out and is unable to call for help

How can I be protected from sudden cardiac death?

An irregular heart rhythm can occur at any time and without warning. The most effective treatment to stop or correct a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm is defibrillation, which is an electrical shock to get the heart back to a normal rhythm.

With LifeVest^®, patients can have a constant safeguard against SCD. LifeVest is designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically deliver a treatment shock to save your life. No matter where you are or the time of day, the LifeVest WCD can protect you from SCD when worn as directed. LifeVest can protect you even when you are alone. It is therefore critical that you wear the LifeVest WCD at all times—including while you sleep.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is truly sudden. I had no warning signs at all.”

The Most Effective Treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a Defibrillation Shock

50% of SCA events occur when a person is alone^*5

Without treatment, death occurs in minutes

Wear LifeVest at all times – including while you sleep

Sudden cardiac death is not a heart attack

Some people confuse sudden cardiac death with a heart attack, but they are not the same. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to part or parts of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. With a heart attack, you may feel severe chest pain or other symptoms. You usually remain awake and can call for help.

With SCD, on the other hand, there are no signs that something is about to happen – you suddenly lose consciousness and are not able to call for help. It can happen whether you are awake or asleep.

Sudden Cardiac Death vs. Heart Attack

Sudden Cardiac Death

An electrical malfunction causes a dangerously fast heartbeat
No signs or symptoms
Victims pass out quickly

Heart Attack

A blockage stops blood flow to the heart
Severe chest pain & other symptoms
Victims usually remain awake

“There was no warning. I didn't even feel my heartbeat going fast. It was just blackness...then, I woke up.”

Who is at risk of sudden cardiac death?

The risk of sudden cardiac death is high for certain heart patients. You may be at a higher risk for SCD if you have or experience one of the following:

A low ejection fraction (EF) or weak heart muscle
Prior heart attack
Heart failure
A history of sudden cardiac death in your family
A viral infection in your heart
Other risk factors for SCD include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol.

No matter your condition, it is important to remember that LifeVest can provide a constant safeguard against sudden cardiac death. With the LifeVest WCD, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that you have protection.⁶

What is ejection fraction?

Ejection Fraction (EF) refers to how well your heart is pumping. It is the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart’s main pumping chamber during each heartbeat. Your doctor is able to tell how well your heart is pumping based on your EF number. If your EF is low, meaning 35% or lower, then you are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. It is important to know that your EF can change over time.

What Does Your Ejection Fraction Mean?

55-70%

Your heart’s pumping ability is

NORMAL

35% & Lower