Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by cardiac malfunction, often related to coronary artery disease. It is the most common cause of natural death in the United States, accounting for over 350,000 deaths a year. SCD is a major public health issue, as a large portion of these deaths are preventable. Risk factors for SCD include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and family history of heart disease, among others. Early detection and prevention of SCD is key to saving lives, and is enabled through lifestyle modification, medications, and medical procedures designed to improve heart health and reduce the risk of this life-threatening condition.