Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

First, there are a few risk factors that you have no control over such as:

• Family history of coronary artery disease.
• Family history of cardiac arrest.
• Family or personal history of abnormal heart rhythm.

Then, there are a number of factors individuals can have some level of control over or work to manage. These include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Illegal drug use, especially cocaine and amphetamines

Individuals who have suffered previous incidents of cardiac arrest or a heart attack are also at higher risk for a repeat incident. Men over 45 and women over 55 are at increased risk.