A man collapses during a morning run. Another ignores chest discomfort, assuming it is indigestion. Cardiac arrest often feels sudden, but underlying risks like coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking usually build up quietly over years.
Are men across Asia more likely than women to experience cardiac arrest? Studies show men make up a larger share of cases, but risk varies by age, health, and location. Crucially, many key risk factors can be managed.
Men account for most cardiac arrest cases in many Asian populations, but sex alone does not dictate risk. Managing heart health and knowing how to act in an emergency save lives.
Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack Are Not the Same
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different medical emergencies.
| Heart Attack | Cardiac Arrest | |
| What happens? | Blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked. | The heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, often because of an abnormal rhythm. |
| Main problem | A circulation problem. | An electrical problem. |
| Is the person usually conscious? | Often, though they may feel unwell. | Usually unresponsive, not breathing normally or only gasping. |
| Does the heart stop? | It usually continues beating. | Yes, effective pumping stops. |
| What should you do? | Call emergency services immediately. | Call emergency services, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as possible. |
A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, but they are distinct events.
Are Men More Likely to Experience Cardiac Arrest?
Registries consistently show men form a higher percentage of cardiac arrest cases. For example, a Singapore study of 12,730 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (2010–2018) found 58.9% of patients were male.
However, women also experience cardiac arrest, and individual risk depends on overall health rather than sex alone.
Why Risk May Be Higher for Men
1. Coronary Heart Disease Often Develops Earlier
Coronary heart disease often develops earlier in men. Fatty deposits narrow arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart attacks and dangerous heart rhythms.
2. Tobacco Use Remains Heavily Skewed Towards Men
Smoking damages blood vessels, promotes atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
Tobacco use remains significantly higher among men in Asia. WHO estimates for the Western Pacific Region put male tobacco use at 43.3%, compared with 2.5% for women.
3. High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Diabetes Can Stay Hidden
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes rarely show early symptoms. In Singapore, about one in three residents has hypertension or high cholesterol, making regular checks vital.
4. Body Size Does Not Tell the Whole Story
Cardiometabolic risks can occur at lower BMI levels in Asian populations. Waist size, blood pressure, and glucose levels offer better insights than body weight alone.
5. Cardiac Arrest Is Not Always Caused by Lifestyle
Some cardiac arrests stem from inherited rhythm disorders or structural heart conditions, which is why even fit individuals can be affected. A family history of sudden death or fainting during exercise warrants medical evaluation.
Why Cardiac Arrest Can Be Sudden Even When Risk Builds Over Time
Cardiac arrest strikes suddenly, but warning signs like chest discomfort, breathlessness, or fainting sometimes appear beforehand. In Singapore, over 4,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurred in 2022, with 80% happening at home.
What Should You Check Before Symptoms Appear?
While no single test predicts cardiac arrest, routine cardiovascular checks should assess blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, lifestyle habits, and family history.
- blood pressure
- cholesterol and other blood lipids
- blood glucose or HbA1c
- smoking and tobacco use
- weight and waist trends
- physical activity
- existing conditions and medications
- family history of heart disease or sudden death
- symptoms such as fainting, chest discomfort or palpitations
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Speak to a healthcare professional if you experience recurring or unexplained:
- chest pressure, tightness or discomfort
- breathlessness
- fainting or near-fainting
- rapid, irregular or forceful heartbeats
- unusual symptoms during exercise
- a significant decline in exercise tolerance
Consult a doctor if you experience chest tightness, severe breathlessness, fainting, or irregular heartbeats.
What to Do if Someone Suddenly Collapses
If someone collapses and is unresponsive or gasping, act immediately:
- Call 995 immediately.
- Begin chest compressions.
- Ask someone to retrieve the nearest AED.
- Use the AED and follow its spoken instructions.
- Continue until paramedics take over or the person begins responding.
Immediate CPR and early AED use are among the most important actions for improving survival.
How to Lower Cardiovascular Risk
To reduce risk, avoid tobacco, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, stay active, maintain a balanced diet, prioritise sleep, and learn CPR.
The Bottom Line
Men account for more cardiac arrest cases across Asia due to factors like higher smoking rates and earlier heart disease. However, risk can be lowered by monitoring health numbers, addressing symptoms, and knowing emergency CPR steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are men more likely than women to have a cardiac arrest?
Men make up a larger proportion of cases, but risk varies by age and health profile. Women are also at risk and should monitor cardiovascular health.
Can a fit and active man still experience cardiac arrest?
Yes. Fitness lowers risk but does not eliminate structural or inherited heart conditions.
Does a heart attack always lead to cardiac arrest?
No. A heart attack is a circulation problem that can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest, but most do not.
Is there a test that can predict cardiac arrest?
No single routine test predicts cardiac arrest. Doctors evaluate risk using blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and medical history.
Should everyone in their 30s or 40s have an ECG?
Not routinely. An ECG is usually recommended only if symptoms or risk factors are present.
Keep Reading
High blood pressure frequently develops without noticeable symptoms, making consistent monitoring and follow-up important.
Recommended Read:
Your 3-Month Plan to Control High BP with Your Healthier SG Doctor (2026 Checklist)
Sources
World Health Organization. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
American Heart Association. Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest: How Are They Different?
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks/heart-attack-or-sudden-cardiac-arrest-how-are-they-different
Singapore Heart Foundation. Latest Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Statistics Heighten the Need for the Public to Learn CPR and AED Skills.
https://www.myheart.org.sg/press-release/latest-out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest-statistics-heighten-the-need-for-the-public-to-learn-cpr-and-aed-skills/
White AE, Shahidah N, Win PTN, et al. Singapore Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Data Report 2011–2021.
https://www.myheart.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OHCA-Data-Report-2011-2021.pdf
Ho AFW, Ting PZY, Ho JSY, et al. The Effect of Building-Level Socioeconomic Status on Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35363103/
Liu N, Ning Y, Ong MEH, et al. Gender Disparities Among Adult Recipients of Layperson Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation by Location of Cardiac Arrest in Pan-Asian Communities.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35198919/
World Health Organization. Tobacco Use Falls Fastest in South-East Asia, Yet Millions Remain at Risk.
https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/08-10-2025-tobacco-use-falls-fastest-in-south-east-asia-yet-322-million-people-still-at-risk-who
WHO Expert Consultation. Appropriate Body-Mass Index for Asian Populations and Its Implications for Policy and Intervention Strategies. The Lancet.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14726171/
Singapore Civil Defence Force. Emergency Medical Services.
https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/about-scdf/emergency-medical-services
Editorial Note
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace personalised medical advice. Cardiac arrest risk varies according to age, medical history, family history, lifestyle and underlying heart conditions. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 995 immediately, begin CPR and use an AED if available. Speak to a qualified healthcare professional for individual cardiovascular assessment and screening advice.