Secondary death is the sudden onset of death from heart failure. In this case, the patient dies within a very short time – usually within one hour – after the onset of the first symptoms. It is also often referred to as sudden cardiac death (SCD). Read here what signs and symptoms indicate sudden cardiac death and how you can prevent a secondary death.
Cardiac arrhythmias as triggers
In Germany, about 65,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac death. Acute triggers are usually severe cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, or ventricular tachycardia. Due to the disturbed impulses at the heart, the heartbeat usually becomes faster and faster. In extreme cases, it can be as high as 500 beats per minute. Because of the high rate of beating, no real contraction of the heart can occur and no more blood is pumped through the body. Eventually, the circulation collapses and death occurs.
Coronary artery disease increases risk
Sudden cardiac death does not affect typically high-risk patients in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, the risk of suffering a secondary death increases significantly due to heart disease such as coronary artery disease. In addition, the following groups of individuals are at increased risk:
- Individuals who have already suffered at least one heart attack
- Persons who have survived a cardiovascular arrest
- Persons with cardiac arrhythmias
- Individuals with family members who have died of sudden cardiac death
- Persons with cardiac insufficiency
In general, all factors that have a damaging effect on the heart increase the risk of secondary death. These include obesity, smoking, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and elevated cholesterol levels.
Sudden cardiac death during exercise
Sports are healthy – but if risk factors are present, they can be dangerous and, in extreme cases, can lead to death. For example, more than half of all second deaths occur during or following vigorous exercise. In the case of heart disease, sporting activities should therefore always be discussed with the doctor treating the patient. If a secondary death occurs in young people during sport, it is often due to an unrecognized heart muscle inflammation. Equally, however, other diseases of the heart, such as a previously unknown heart defect, can be the cause. Incidentally, secondary death cannot be ruled out with certainty even in the case of a perfectly healthy heart. This is because causes such as a rupture of the aorta or a pulmonary embolism can also result in sudden cardiac death.
Secondary death: symptoms
Typically, secondary death occurs very quickly:
- Usually the affected person suddenly faints and no longer has a palpable pulse.
- Within a very short time, it also comes to respiratory arrest.
- Often, the pupils are dilated and the skin on the fingernails grayish discolored in those affected.
Without immediate rescue measures, cardiovascular arrest can cause death within minutes. Typical warning signs or symptoms by which one could recognize a secondary death early, there is no. However, similar to a heart attack, symptoms may become apparent due to the cardiac arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation, sometimes several days or weeks beforehand:
- These include pain and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Likewise, shortness of breath and shortness of breath may occur, as well as dizziness and fainting.
- People who have already suffered a heart attack should be particularly sensitive to appearing palpitations.
Prevent secondary death
Secondary death can only be prevented by prompt, proper treatment:
- It is important to call an emergency physician and ambulance immediately.
- In addition, resuscitation measures (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) must be initiated immediately.
- In addition, a defibrillator should be used as soon as possible. This electric shock device ensures that the electrical activity of the heart is rearranged and the heart begins to beat again slowly and regularly.
Prevent sudden cardiac death
To prevent secondary death, you should pay close attention to the health of your heart. Avoid risk factors such as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Also, see a doctor early if you suspect something is wrong with your heart. Regular checkups help detect heart conditions early and treat them appropriately. To keep the heart healthy, it is also important to take sufficient care of yourself during and after an infection. Under no circumstances should you start exercising again too soon. Otherwise, heart muscle inflammation may occur. Especially undetected heart muscle inflammations are often responsible for a secondary death during sports. If heart disease is already present, it is essential to follow the therapy agreed with your doctor. If the heart disease is more severe, an implanted defibrillator can help prevent sudden cardiac death.
