Most frequently, sudden cardiac death occurs in adults in their mid-30s to mid-40s.

News outlets often report sudden death events of celebrities or sport personalities – some with good outcomes, but many with bad. The tone of the story is always one of shock and surprise.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden loss of heart function leading to death. It is the largest cause of natural death in the United States, responsible for more than 325,000 deaths annually. Most frequently, SCD occurs in adults in their mid-30s to mid-40s.

The question is, “Can we predict who is at risk?” And the answer is “YES, WE CAN!”

More than 80% of SCD victims have coronary artery disease (CAD). While not everyone with CAD has symptoms, it can be predicted by certain risk factors, including:

• Family history of CAD
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal cholesterol levels
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Increasing age

High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure above 130/80 mm Hg.

Abnormal cholesterol is defined as an LDL level above 100 mg/dl or an HDL less than 50 mg/dl for women or less than 40 mg/dl for men.

If you are 35 years or older and have at least two of these risk factors, a level of concern is appropriate.

How do you detect asymptomatic CAD?

Coronary calcium score is a simple and widely available test that can detect CAD before symptoms appear. This test is inexpensive, non-invasive and takes only minutes to perform.

Not only can the coronary calcium score detect CAD, it can also help predict those individuals who might have a cardiac event including death.

It is now recommended that people who have risk factors for CAD undergo coronary calcium scoring to determine future risks.

Other factors that can predict SCD include:

• Congenital/birth or genetic related issues
• Changes to your heart caused by disease or infections
• Use of prescription or recreational medications that can adversely affect the heart
• Extreme physical activity

These concerns can often be screened for with a careful history and physical examination, electrocardiogram and review of all medication/supplement use. Occasionally, other imaging techniques such as a cardiac echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) or MRI scan (magnetic scan) are needed.

Consider a visit with your health care provider if:

• You have a family history of sudden or premature death
• You have experienced fainting, dizziness or fast heart rate
• You have had an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG)
• You plan to participate in extreme physical activity

The reassuring news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of SCD.

As my dad tells me – better to be safe rather than sorry. Get checked!