Modifying 56 Risk Factors May Prevent up to 63% of Sudden Cardiac Arrests (SCA)
Modifying 56 Risk Factors May Prevent up to 63% of Sudden Cardiac Arrests (SCA)
Scientific Summary:
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology, summarized by Medscape
Date: June 4, 2025
Author: Liz Scherer
1. Background
• Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is fatal in 90% of cases.
• While traditional prevention efforts focus on clinical risk factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity), this study highlights nonclinical and modifiable lifestyle factors.
2. Study Design
• Data from 500,000+ participants in the UK Biobank were analyzed (average age 56.5 years, over 14 years follow-up).
3. Main Findings
• 56 nonclinical risk factors were significantly associated with SCA.
• Eliminating all 56 could prevent up to 63% of SCA cases.
• Conservatively targeting the riskiest factors could prevent ~40%.
4. Risk Factor Domains and Impact Contribution
• Lifestyle (13%): physical activity, sleep, diet, smoking
• Physical Measures (9%): BMI, weight, lung function
• Socioeconomic Status (8%): employment, education
• Psychosocial Factors (5%): mood, stress, job satisfaction
• Environment (5%)
5. Most Protective Factors
• Fruit consumption
• Time spent using a computer
6. Most Harmful Factors
• Feelings of frustration (“fed-up”)
• High arm fat mass and arm fat percentage
• High BMI, systolic blood pressure, and low education
7. Caveats and Limitations
• Data mostly from older white adults → limited generalizability
• Self-reported information and potential biases
• Need for more research on unexpected findings (e.g., alcohol, screen time)
8. Clinical Implications
• Reinforces American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8
• Highlights the need for proactive lifestyle discussions in clinical care
• Calls for a shift in practice from reactive treatment to preventive focus
