Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating suddenly, disrupting the heart’s ability to pump blood. Heart disease increases the risk of SCA, along with other factors including genetic conditions, electrolyte abnormalities, or heart muscle disorders. SCA is often caused by dangerous ventricular arrhythmias like ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Immediate interventions like defibrillation and long-term protection with implantable cardioverter defibrillators or ablation increase survival outcomes. In the acute setting, time is of the essence, so it is important that everyone learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and operate automatic external defibrillators. Prevention strategies for SCA include lifestyle interventions and medical management.