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  • What is SCD
    • zoll-life-vest

    What is sudden cardiac death?

    Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can occur without warning. When worn as directed, LifeVest® can provide a constant safeguard against SCD.

         Female LifeVest patient walking in park with granddaughter

    LEARN MORE ABOUT SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH (SCD) AND SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST (SCA)

    What causes sudden cardiac death (SCD)?

    Your heart is controlled by an electrical system. When this system fails, it may trigger a dangerously fast heartbeat. This can cause your heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to your body and brain. This is called sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If this happens, you can suddenly pass out without warning. Without treatment, sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs within minutes.

    Sudden cardiac death has no warning signs
    A heart's electrical malfunction

    Electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop beating effectively

    Heart not being able to supply enough blood to the body and brain

    The heart cannot supply blood to the body and brain

    Sudden cardiac death has no warning signs

    Unlike a heart attack, there are no signs or symptoms

    A passed out victim of sudden cardiac arrest

    Victim suddenly passes out and is unable to call for help
    LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator patient golfing

    How can I be protected from sudden cardiac death?

    SCD can occur at any time and without warning. The most effective treatment to stop or correct a life-threatening rapid heart rhythm is defibrillation, which is an electrical shock to get the heart back to a normal rhythm.

    If your doctor believes you are at risk for SCD, they may prescribe you with medications or devices to help manage your condition. They may recommend the LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD). LifeVest is designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and, if needed, automatically deliver a treatment shock to save your life. 

    • No matter where you are or the time of day, the LifeVest WCD can protect you from SCD when worn as directed. LifeVest can protect you even when you are alone. It is therefore critical that you wear the LifeVest WCD at all times—including while you sleep.

    LifeVest is proven to improve survival

    In a study of 2,000 LifeVest patients, 96% of patients were alive one year after they began using the device.¹

    LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator patient walking outdoors

    The most effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is a defibrillation shock
    50% of SCA events occur when a person is alone

    50% of SCA events occur when a person is alone2*

    analog clock showing time

    Without treatment, death occurs in minutes

    24/7 loop

    Wear LifeVest at all times – including while you sleep

    “Sudden cardiac arrest is truly sudden. I had no warning signs at all.”

    Alan, James, Jenn, and Laura share their experiences with SCD and how LifeVest offered protection.

    What is the difference between sudden cardiac death and a heart attack?

    Some people confuse sudden cardiac death with a heart attack, but they are not the same. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to part or parts of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. With a heart attack, you may feel severe chest pain or other symptoms. You usually remain awake and can call for help.

    With SCD, on the other hand, there are no signs that something is about to happen – you suddenly lose consciousness and are not able to call for help. It can happen whether you are awake or asleep.

    Sudden cardiac death vs. heart attack
    Human heart illustration and electrical icon depicting Sudden Cardiac Death

    Sudden cardiac death

    • An electrical malfunction causes a dangerously fast heartbeat
    • No signs or symptoms
    • Victims pass out quickly
    Human heart illustration and a blockage icon depicting a heart attack

    Heart attack

    • A blockage stops blood flow to the heart
    • Severe chest pain and other symptoms
    • Victims usually remain awake

    “I had a sudden cardiac arrest, and LifeVest saved my life.”

    Paula, 62 years old

    Who is at risk of sudden cardiac death?

    The risk of sudden cardiac death is high for certain heart patients. You may be at a higher risk for SCD if you have or experience one of the following:
    • A low ejection fraction (EF) or weak heart muscle
    • Prior heart attack
    • Heart failure
    • A history of sudden cardiac death in your family
    • A viral infection in your heart
    • Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high cholesterol

    No matter your condition, it is important to remember:

    LifeVest can provide a constant safeguard against sudden cardiac death.

    With LifeVest WCD, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing that you have protection.³

    LifeVest wearable cardioverter defibrillator patient and spouse laying in grass

    What is ejection fraction?

    Ejection fraction (EF) refers to how well your heart is pumping. It is the percentage of blood that is pumped out of the heart’s main pumping chamber during each heartbeat. Your doctor is able to tell how well your heart is pumping based on your EF number. If your EF is low, meaning 35% or lower, then you are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. It is important to know that your EF can change over time.

    What is a normal ejection fraction?
    Normal ejection fraction range of 55-70%

    55-70%

     

    Your heart’s pumping ability is NORMAL

     

    Low ejection fraction range of 35% and lower

    35% & lower

     

    Your heart’s pumping ability is LOW

     

    *Outside the hospital

    1Kutyifa V, Moss A, Klein H, et al. One-Year Follow-Up of the Prospective Registry of Patients Using the Wearable Defibrillator (WEARIT-II Registry). Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2018;1–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/pace.13448

    2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2016 Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) Summary Report: Demographic and Survival Characteristics of OHCA. https://mycares.net/sitepages/uploads/2017/2016%20Non-Traumatic%20National%20Summary%20Report.pdf. Accessed May 12, 2017

    3Whiting J, Simon M. Health and lifestyle benefits resulting from wearable cardioverter-defibrillator use. The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac Rhythm Management 2012;1–2.

    We’re here to help.

    ZOLL has supported more than one million patients like you for over 20 years. For 24/7 phone support, call 1-800-543-3267. You can also email LifeVest.Info@zoll.com or visit our support page to send us your question.

    GET SUPPORT     Woman talking on cell phone