Norton Healthcare doctor says annual checkups can detect risk of sudden cardiac arrest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — When it comes to sudden cardiac arrest, it is not the same thing as a heart attack.

Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating.

Each year more than 356,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest, striking people of all ages who may seem to be healthy, even children and teens.

Ninety percent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest don’t survive, so spotting the signs like unresponsiveness and altered breathing can save lives.

“Getting involved in frequent checking, once a year, seeing your primary care doctor to see if you have any type of murmurs, if you’re engaging in any type of athletic rigorous activity, getting a one-time EKG is always a good idea to see if you have any type of risk for arrhythmias, or any type of risk for weakening of the heart muscle, which can clue us in to being at risk for sudden cardiac arrest," Dr. Matthew Thomas, Norton Healthcare Cardiologist, said.

Preventative measures include eating healthy, avoiding healthy foods, and regular exercise.

Annual checkups can help doctors detect heart murmurs or arrhythmias.

1 person hospitalized after house fire in east Louisville early Sunday

‘Safety is at risk’: Louisville bar shut down under emergency order after shooting

Norton Healthcare doctor says annual checkups can detect risk of sudden cardiac arrest