The epidemiology of cardiac arrest in young adults

Abstract

To describe the epidemiology of cardiac arrest in young adults and to determine if there are characteristics unique to this group in terms of etiology, rhythm, and outcome. Retrospective, case review. King County, Washington. All out-of-hospital victims of cardiac arrest who received emergency aid. The etiology, cardiac rhythm, and outcome were identified for each case. During the 13-year period from 1976 to 1989, there were 8,054 cardiac arrests; 252 of these were among young adults 18 to 35 years of age. Of those 252 cases, 61 (24%) were caused by ischemic heart disease, and 60 (24%) were caused by overdose. Asystole was the most common rhythm (48%), followed by ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia (31%). Long-term survival following these rhythms was 4% and 28%, respectively. In terms of age, etiology, and rhythm, young adults appear to represent a transitional group between children and older adults. There were no unique characteristics specific to young adults. Long-term survival is dependent more on rhythm than on age. In terms of age, etiology, and rhythm, young adults appear to represent a transitional group between children and older adults.