Sudden cardiac death during sleep occurs when a seemingly healthy person goes to bed and experiences cardiac arrest, often linked to underlying heart conditions. Doctor An Tuan Dat, from the cardiology department of Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that without immediate intervention within minutes, irreversible brain damage or even death can occur. Common causes include serious heart rhythm disorders (such as ventricular fibrillation), coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or ion channel disorders like Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome.

While sudden cardiac death can happen anytime, it is particularly dangerous during sleep due to the lack of immediate witnesses or intervention. Dr. Dat highlights several warning signs:

Chest pain or tightness while resting or sleeping, unrelated to exertion or breathing, is a potential indicator. This sensation can be fleeting and easily overlooked as it occurs during sleep.

Shortness of breath at night, especially when lying down, forcing the person to sit up for easier breathing, may signal fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure.

A rapid, skipped, irregular, or intensely fluttering heartbeat during sleep, without a clear cause, warrants attention. These transient heart rhythm disturbances carry a high risk.

Cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness at night, not related to food or digestion, could indicate myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart) or a drop in blood pressure.

Unexplained fainting or dizziness in the preceding days is also a noteworthy sign, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Experiencing any of these signs, even fleetingly, should not be ignored, particularly by those with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, lipid disorders, or a family history of sudden cardiac death. In older adults or those with underlying health issues, these symptoms might be subtle, easily mistaken for sleep disturbances or stress-related fatigue. Early detection and intervention are crucial for reducing the risk of complications, improving quality of life, and preventing sudden cardiac death.

Dr. Dat recommends regular cardiac screenings for individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate at home, using devices like sleep-tracking wristbands, can help detect sleep-related rhythm disorders early. For high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of cardiac arrest, dangerous arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia), or severe heart failure, doctors may recommend specialized treatments such as medication to regulate heart rhythm, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), or ablation of abnormal heart rhythm sources. Proactively listening to your body, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and consulting a doctor promptly upon noticing any unusual signs are the best ways to protect your cardiovascular health.

Ly Nguyen