Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, leading to a halt in the flow of blood to vital organs. It is a medical emergency that, if not treated immediately, can result in death.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Most cases of sudden cardiac arrest are caused by heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most life-threatening type of arrhythmia. Below are some conditions and disorders that can cause irregular heartbeats:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Severe trauma or injury leading to significant blood loss
• Brugada syndrome
• Long QT syndrome

Sudden cardiac arrest can also be triggered by the following:

• Coronary artery disease
• Infections
• Intense physical activity
• Structural changes to the heart due to disease or infection
• Respiratory diseases
• Congenital heart defects

Risk Factors for Cardiac Arrest

Several conditions can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, such as:

• Heart valve disease
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart failure caused by diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy
• Abnormal potassium or magnesium levels in the blood
• Arrhythmias following a heart attack
• Family history of heart attack or arrhythmia

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

The following signs indicate cardiac arrest:

• Loss of heartbeat
• No breathing
• Loss of consciousness

In some cases, warning signs may appear before cardiac arrest, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Treatment of Cardiac Arrest

Since cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency, immediate intervention is necessary to supply oxygen-rich blood to the body’s organs and save the patient’s life. Treatment options include:

1) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Bystanders should begin CPR immediately by performing chest compressions at a fast pace to maintain blood flow to vital organs. CPR can provide temporary relief until advanced medical interventions are available.

2) Defibrillation

Emergency responders use a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart, helping it resume its function and restore a normal rhythm. This treatment must be administered promptly to save the patient’s life and minimize damage to organs from a lack of oxygen and blood flow.

Once the patient reaches the hospital, doctors will conduct several tests to diagnose the cause of the cardiac arrest and administer the necessary treatment. This may include surgery or medications to restore a regular heart rhythm.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrest is a critical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If blood flow to the body’s vital organs is cut off for more than a few minutes, the patient may not survive. Therefore, rapid response and treatment are essential to saving lives.