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. 2009 Jan 24;131(3):345-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.10.024. Epub 2008 Feb 21.

Physical activity as a trigger of sudden cardiac arrest: the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study

Pulla R Reddy  1 , Kyndaron Reinier, Tejwant Singh, Ronald Mariani, Karen Gunson, Jonathan Jui, Sumeet S Chugh
Affiliations

Physical activity as a trigger of sudden cardiac arrest: the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study

Pulla R Reddy et al. Int J Cardiol. .

Abstract

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a significant public health problem and better understanding of triggers could enhance prevention. Vigorous physical activity has been suggested as a prominent trigger but has not been well-evaluated in the general population. We performed a community-based study to analyze the role of physical activity as a potential trigger of SCA.

Methods: Medical records of 1180 subjects who sustained SCA during the ongoing Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (Multnomah County, Oregon, USA; 2002-05) were reviewed. Analysis was limited to first responder and hospital records of patients who experienced witnessed SCA, with information available regarding physical activity immediately prior to SCA. An estimated metabolic equivalent (MET) score was used to classify levels of physical activity.

Results: A total of 304 adults met criteria for analysis (mean age 69 years, 67% male). The majority (n=193, 63%) were performing light activities, 51 (17%) subjects were sleeping, 39 (13%) were performing moderate activities, 14 (5%) were performing heavy activities, and 7 (2%) were engaged in sexual activity. Light activities were associated with older age (72 years) and heavy activities with the youngest (51 years, p<0.001). Males were more likely to be involved in heavy activity (93% male) and the sexual activity group was exclusively male (p=0.04).

Conclusion: Vigorous physical activity was a potential trigger of SCA in a minority (5%). The vast majority (80%) of subjects were asleep or were performing light activities. The traditional view of SCA triggers may have to be re-visited, with renewed focus on factors such as emotional stress and sleep-related disorders.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Prevalence of the five physical activity groups.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of age across the five physical activity groups.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of physical activity groups by gender.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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