Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death worldwide. As per an NCBI report, more than 400,000 Americans succumb to sudden cardiac death every year. You see, the count is staggering! The only way to prevent such unfortunate death is timely diagnosis and treatment. Tests like EKG and Holter monitoring can help detect the condition and pave the way for treatment.
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
According to the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, “SCA is the sudden cessation of cardiac activity so that the victim becomes unresponsive, with no normal breathing and no signs of circulation. If corrective measures are not taken rapidly, this condition progresses to sudden death.”
Diagnosis methods
People who survive SCA are diagnosed to prevent future episodes using various diagnosis methods, including:
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
It is the most popular sudden cardiac arrest diagnosis method in which electrodes are attached to the person’s chest (sometimes limbs as well) to detect their heart’s electrical activity. The test can detect unusual electrical patterns and reveal disturbances in the patient’s heart rhythm.
Holter monitoring
Sometimes, doctors suggest Holter monitoring after EKG if they need to track the patient’s heart health over a couple of days. A Holter monitor is a compact, portable device used to continuously record a person’s heart rhythm and help doctors determine whether their heart condition is stable.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests such as chest x-ray, echocardiogram, coronary catheterization, and nuclear scan can help identify blood flow problems, heart failure, inadequate pumping capacity, and other problems that may lead to SCA.
Blood tests
Your heart health depends on the levels of magnesium, potassium, hormones, and several other chemicals present in your blood. Blood tests can help detect a recent heart injury.
The bottom line
SCA is a life-threatening condition that affects people around the world. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the only ways to reduce the death rate and promote recovery. You’re born in a technological era where leading a healthy life is possible. Thanks to tests like EKG and Holter monitoring that help doctors better respond to the situation.