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Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest

What puts you at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?

We talk a lot about how sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone at any age, but what are the factors that can increase your risk? Read on to learn more.

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.

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