1. Quiz: Sudden Cardiac Arrest!
2. Visual Guide to Heart Disease Slideshow
3. Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore Slideshow

Usually, the first sign of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is loss of consciousness (fainting). At the same time, no heartbeat (or pulse) can be felt.

Some people may have a racing heartbeat or feel dizzy or lightheaded just before they faint. Within an hour before sudden cardiac arrest, some people have chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea (feeling sick to the stomach), or vomiting.

Must Read Articles Related to Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Heart disease is the number 1 killer in the United States. Every day, more than 2600 Americans die from cardiovascular disease, which amounts to 1 death every 3...learn more >>

Drug Dependence & Abuse Drug abuse and drug dependence represent different ends of the same disease process. Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of a parti...learn more >>

Drug Overdose Overdoses of drugs or chemicals can be either accidental or intentional. Drug overdoses occur when a person takes more than the medically recommended dose. Howe...learn more >>

See the Entire Sudden Cardiac Arrest Topic Guide »