Final answer:
Individuals with factors such as advanced age, cardiovascular disease, and unhealthy lifestyle habits are at highest risk for sudden cardiac events, with additional risks for LGBT youth and those under severe emotional stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals most at risk for experiencing a sudden cardiac event are those with several risk factors, including age, underlying cardiovascular disease, smoking, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, lack of physical activity, chronic kidney disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and use of illegal drugs.
LGBT youth face additional risks due to higher instances of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, anxiety, and depression, combined with poor quality of healthcare caused by stigma and lack of healthcare provider awareness. Moreover, severe emotional stress from events such as the death of a loved one or emotional breakups can lead to broken heart syndrome, which greatly increases the risk of heart-related complications and even death, particularly for women and those in longer relationships.
Men under 64 are also highly susceptible to coronary heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle coupled with a high trans-fat diet further escalates the risk for heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Consulting with a cardiologist and taking proactive steps, including improving lifestyle choices and better understanding one's personal risk factors, are integral to prevention.