Published Paper Details:

Abstract: Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. While traditionally considered a condition affecting older individuals, there is growing evidence of an increasing incidence of cardiac arrest among young adults. This systematic review aims to comprehensively examine the literature to elucidate the risk factors contributing to cardiac arrest in this demographic. Through a rigorous search and synthesis of available evidence, this review seeks to enhance our understanding of the unique risk profile of young adults and inform targeted preventive strategies. Introduction: Cardiac arrest poses a significant public health challenge, with profound implications for individuals, families, and healthcare systems. While cardiac arrest predominantly affects older adults, recent epidemiologic trends suggest a rising incidence among younger age groups. Understanding the risk factors associated with cardiac arrest in young adults is paramount for effective prevention and management. Methods: A systematic search of electronic worldwide databases PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Library (Central), and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to March 2024. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to "cardiac arrest", "sudden cardiac arrest", "risk factors" and "young adults". Title abstract phrases, related keywords, and Boolean operators ('OR' and 'AND') were all used in conjunction with the 'Advanced' search choices. Results: A total of 573 studies met the inclusion criteria, due to duplication, 245 records were eliminated using Mendeley Desktop software. The identified risk factors for cardiac arrest in young adults encompassed a broad range of determinants, including modifiable lifestyle factors, underlying cardiovascular conditions, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and substance abuse emerged as prominent contributors to cardiac arrest risk in this population. Predisposing factors such as inherited cardiac conditions, structural heart abnormalities, and acquired cardiac disorders were significantly identified. The titles and abstracts of the remaining 328 studies were reviewed based on the eligibility criteria. Following the initial scanning, 123 records were rejected as not satisfying the inclusion requirements. Environmental factors, including air pollution and socioeconomic status, also played a role in shaping the risk profile of young adults. The remaining 205 full-text papers were reviewed and from these articles, 196 articles were removed for the reasons. Additionally, excluded studies were scanned for any possible neglect. Total of 08 studies were included in the qualitative analysis (systematic review). Conclusion: This systematic review provides valuable insights into the risk factors contributing to cardiac arrest in young adults offering a foundation for evidence-based preventive measures. By addressing modifiable risk factors, enhancing genetic screening efforts, and promoting cardiovascular health awareness, healthcare providers can work towards reducing the incidence of cardiac arrest and improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.