Risk factors

Because sudden cardiac arrest is so often linked with coronary artery disease, the same factors that put you at risk of coronary artery disease can also put you at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. These include:

• A family history of coronary artery disease
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• An inactive lifestyle

Other factors that might increase your risk of sudden cardiac arrest include:

• A previous episode of cardiac arrest or a family history of cardiac arrest
• A previous heart attack
• A personal or family history of other forms of heart disease, such as heart rhythm disorders, congenital heart defects, heart failure and cardiomyopathy
• Growing older — the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases with age
• Being male
• Using illegal drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines
• Nutritional imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Chronic kidney disease