Final answer:
The statement that sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States is true; heart disease is the leading cause of death, which includes both heart attacks and cardiac arrest.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Heart disease, which includes conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and cardiac arrest, is identified as the top cause of death in the country. This is largely attributed to factors like sedentary lifestyle and diets high in trans-fats. While a heart attack occurs due to a blockage that prevents blood from reaching the heart, a cardiac arrest happens when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, which is an immediate medical emergency.
Two cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis are coronary artery disease and strokes. Atherosclerosis contributes to these by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to obstruction and limited blood flow to the heart or brain, respectively.