When the electrical impulses are not generated properly by the heart, an arrhythmia will result. While most arrhythmias, or abnormal heart beat, will not cause any harm, in some cases a cardiac arrest might result. Usually, an arrhythmia in the left ventricle of the heart causes a cardiac arrest. Rarely, a cardiac arrest will happen in a person with no history of heart disease. In most cases, one of the following conditions will be present:
- The arterial walls will be blocked by plaque resulting in a condition called coronary artery disease.
- Thickened heart walls called cardiomyopathy.
- Damaged heart valves called heart valve disease.
- Heart defect since birth. Adults who have had corrective surgery for the same are also at risk.
- Long QT syndrome that causes rapid heartbeat. Might lead to fainting spells.
- A heart attack which can cause a cardiac arrest.
Risk Factors include:
- Hypertension
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or obese
- An unhealthy lifestyle