A sudden death can happen as the result of several causes and occurs unexpectedly. The five common causes of sudden death include sudden arrhythmia death syndrome, acute myocardial infarction, intracranial hemorrhage, acute aortic catastrophe and pulmonary embolism.
Sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS)
This is a genetic heart condition that can occur in young individuals causing sudden death. One of the two warning signs of this condition is the family history of unexpected sudden death under the age of 40 or fainting. The other indications can include unusual chest pain and shortness of breath with exercise. If this condition runs in the family, it is estimated that the chance of inheriting it from an affected parent is 50%. Early detection is important to treat this condition and to prevent death.
Acute myocardial infarction
This is the leading cause of death globally. This occurs with the diminished blood supply to the heart and its extended period can cause myocardial cell damage resulting in death. The six primary risk factors associated with the development of this condition includes hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tobacco use, being a male gender and family history of a premature coronary disease. The symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating and the impairment of cognitive function. The treatment consists of a surgical procedure called angioplasty to unblock the arteries by allowing the blood flow to resume.
Intracranial haemorrhage
Intracranial haemorrhage is the bleeding within the skull. This can occur suddenly causing brain damage and could result in death. When the blood flow within the brain is interrupted for more than four minutes, it can cause the death of the brain cells and damage the nerve cells. Some of the causes of intracranial haemorrhage include head trauma, high blood pressure, bleeding tumours, leakage of blood from malformed arteries or veins, blockage of the artery to the brain and pregnancy complications such as eclampsia. The symptoms can consist of sudden severe headache, difficulty with swallowing, weakness / paralysis / numbness of the face or limbs, loss of coordination and difficulty with speaking or understanding.
Acute aortic catastrophe
The aorta is the largest blood vessel that carries all the circulating blood quantity as it leaves the left ventricle. Hence, any problems with the aorta’s wall can be life-threatening. The aortic dissection is the common aortic catastrophe that occurs when the inner layer of the aorta tears. If left untreated, it is estimated that around 33% of the patients can die within the first 24 hours. Symptoms of aortic dissection are similar to other heart conditions and include shortness of breath, sudden difficulty with speaking, loss of vision, sudden severe chest pain and loss of consciousness. The aortic dissection can cause death from severe internal bleeding or can cause organ damage.
Pulmonary embolism
This condition develops with the blockage of the pulmonary artery in the lungs. Prompt treatment is required to reduce the risk of death in these patients. This commonly occurs in individuals who recently underwent surgery, the elderly, cancer patients and those taking estrogen-containing medications. The common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and cough. Additional symptoms can consist of irregular heartbeat, dizziness, leg pain and excessive sweating. This mostly develops as the result of the blood clot that commonly originates from the deep vein of the legs.
References
http://www.sads.org/What-is-SADS#.WCi-8bJ97IU
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-dissection/basics/complications/con-20032930
