Family history, socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, health behaviors, and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest

Abstract

Genetic, environment, and behaviour factors have a role in causing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). We aimed to determine the strength of the association between various risk factors and SCA incidence. We conducted a multicentre case-control study at 17 hospitals in Korea from September 2017 to December 2020. The cases included out-of-hospital cardiac arrest aged 19-79 years with presumed cardiac aetiology. Community-based controls were recruited at a 1:1 ratio after matching for age, sex, and urban residence level. Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis was conducted. Among the 1016 cases and 1731 controls, 948 cases and 948 controls were analysed. A parental history of SCA, low educational level, own heart disease, current smoking, and non-regular exercise were associated with SCA incidence (Adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.51 [1.48-4.28] for parental history of SCA, 1.37 [1.38-2.25] for low edication level, 3.77 [2.38-5.90] for non-coronary artery heart disease, 4.47 [2.84-7.03] for coronary artery disease, 1.39 [1.08-1.79] for current smoking, and 4.06 [3.29-5.02] for non-regular exercise). Various risk factors related to genetics, environment, and behaviour were independently associated with the incidence of SCA. Establishing individualised SCA prevention strategies in addition to general prevention strategies is warranted.

Figure 1

Study population flow.