Which factors contribute to the risk of sudden cardiac death?

Previous heart conditions significantly contribute to the risk of sudden cardiac death. Individuals who have a history of conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or heart failure are at a heightened risk because these underlying issues can lead to fatal electrical disturbances in the heart. Structural abnormalities, scar tissue from prior myocardial infarctions, and other cardiac issues can lead to the development of life-threatening arrhythmias, which are often the direct cause of sudden cardiac death.

While environmental stressors and obesity can influence overall heart health, their contributions to the acute risk of sudden cardiac death are less direct compared to established heart conditions. Similarly, while increased physical activity can be beneficial for heart health, excessive or unaccustomed physical exertion in individuals with unrecognized heart disease can sometimes trigger arrhythmias, but it is not a primary risk factor like pre-existing heart conditions. Healthy diet and lifestyle changes can certainly have a positive effect on heart health and reduce the risk over time, but they do not specifically indicate an acute pre-existing risk for sudden cardiac death in the way that previous heart conditions do.