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ICU

Sudden Death Syndrome

What are their common causes? Who is at risk?

Sudden Death Syndrome

Sudden death syndrome is defined as sudden death, caused primarily by respiratory collapse. The direct cause may not be identifiable, but just being at risk makes it a big problem for people of any age.


We call it that when there is an unexpected alteration and interruption of all cardiac activity. Causing breathing and blood flow to stop immediately. In a matter of seconds, the person can become unconscious and die.


What are the symptoms of sudden death?


In cases where sudden death is present, the main symptom is chest pain, complete loss of consciousness, conditioning the affected person to not be able to respond to any type of stimulus.


Although you should also see a doctor before:

  • Racing heartbeat

  • Chest pain

  • Dizziness

  • Daze

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea and vomiting



What can cause a sudden death?


To know what the main causes of sudden death are, we must understand that this condition can occur in people of all ages, regardless of whether they have a previous diagnosis of a heart condition.


Medically, it is usually attributed to heart problems (and in these cases, the patient's medical history has a direct influence), since it directly causes an alteration or interruption of cardiac activity, immediately stopping blood flow.


The medical conditions that can develop sudden death syndrome can be listed in the following order:


  • Bipolar disorder: Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder; This triggers cardiac arrhythmias in the patient.

  • Heart disease: In diagnosed patients, sudden death syndrome occurs in 1 in 2 people.

  • Epilepsy: 1 in 1,000 people may have epilepsy immediately after a seizure.

  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats of someone with arrhythmias can be part of medical statistics.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This condition causes a thickening of the walls of the heart, which causes an irregular heartbeat.


Who is the population at risk of developing sudden death syndrome?


Historically, the sector of the population that is most affected by sudden death syndrome is the one between 45 and 65 years of age, and it should also be noted that it is more frequent in men than in women.


Cases in youth or young adults may be due to heart disease that was not diagnosed early. The medical community recommends carrying out mandatory cardiac evaluations to prevent the increase in the rate of registered cases.



If you require a study due to suspicion of a heart condition, our team of medical specialists can support you at all times and answer all your questions. Just click here and let's make an appointment.



BlueNet Hospitals - Hospital Los Cabos

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