Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults - Hidden Dangers in Your Lifestyle

Abstract

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency defined by the abrupt loss of cardiac function, leading to cessation of blood flow to vital organs. Although traditionally associated with older adults, SCA is increasingly reported among seemingly healthy individuals under 40 years of age, with an incidence rate of 4 to 14 per 100,000 person-years. Most affected individuals have no prior diagnosis of cardiac disease. Genetic cardiac disorders, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and channelopathies like Brugada and long QT syndromes, account for many early-onset cases. Notably, around 30% involve hereditary mutations without evident cardiac abnormalities, a condition termed concealed cardiomyopathy. Lifestyle-related risk factors—including smoking, obesity, disrupted sleep, psychological stress, steroid abuse, and energy drink overconsumption—further elevate the risk. Despite these threats, routine cardiac screening using tools like electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography remains limited outside athletic populations, leaving many young individuals unassessed. Importantly, recent large-scale studies have found no link between COVID-19 vaccination and SCA in young adults. Instead, prior COVID-19 hospitalization and modifiable risk factors play a more significant role. A strong public health and educational approach is urgently needed. Integrating cardiac risk education into schools, colleges, and recreational centers, alongside early screening efforts, may enable timely detection and prevention. Raising awareness of behavioral risks and genetic predispositions can help reduce the growing toll of SCA in youth.