What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a severe medical condition that occurs when the heart stops beating abruptly. As a result, our bodily organs like the brain, lungs, and other organs receive lower blood supply. The patient loses consciousness and passes away in a matter of minutes if nothing is done right away. Cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same thing. Heart attack is a blockage in the heart’s blood supply.
Cardiac arrest happens because of arrhythmias, abnormal heartbeats, or particularly ventricular fibrillation. All these make the heartbeat in a chaotic way. Indicators include abrupt collapse, loss of pulse, and lack of respiration. Immediate Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can save a life. Timely treatment is essential to improve the chances of survival.
10 Cardiac Arrest Symptoms
Cardiac arrest gives symptoms for a very short span of time. It is very necessary to recognise them for timely medical help. Here are 10 common symptoms:
- Sudden collapse- The person may fall to the ground without warning as the heart stops beating during this time.
- Loss of consciousness- Fainting or becoming unresponsive is a key sign of cardiac arrest.
- No pulse- The heart stops pumping. It is not possible to detect a pulse.
- No breathing- One can stop breathing or gasp for air.
- Heart palpitations- A fluttering or pounding heartbeat might be felt before arrest.
- Chest discomfort- Feeling of tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest can occur.
- Shortness of breath- Difficulty breathing may happen just before collapse.
- Dizziness- Feeling lightheaded or unsteady can be an early warning sign.
- Weakness- Unexplained fatigue or weakness.
- Lightheadedness- Fainting or blurred vision may happen moments before arrest.
Cardiac Arrest Vs Heart Attack
Yes, both the terms are very similar. But, these are quite different from each other. Cardiac arrest and heart attack are different medical emergencies and need urgent care.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction):
- Heart attack happens when blood flow gets blocked to the heart and there is a clot in the arteries.
- The heart does not stop beating in heart attack unlike cardiac arrest.
- Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and discomfort in arms, jaw, or back.
- The person is usually awake and responsive.
- Needs quick medical treatment to restore blood flow.
Cardiac Arrest:
- Happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to abnormal electrical activity.
- Blood flow to the brain and body stops instantly.
- The person becomes unconscious and unresponsive within seconds.
- Requires immediate CPR and use of an AED to revive the heart.
Heart attack is a circulation problem; cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. Heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest in worse case.
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Cardiac Arrest Causes
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops working for abnormal electrical signals. The most common cause is ventricular fibrillation (v-fib). In this situation, heart’s lower chambers beat irregularly and can’t pump blood. This stops oxygen from reaching the body or to the other organs. This can be fatal in minutes without treatment.
Causes of abnormal heart beats are:
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Brugada syndrome
- Long QT syndrome (LQTS)
- Drugs for other medical conditions
- Recreational drugs like cocaine
- Severe illness or trauma with major blood loss
Other possible causes:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Congenital heart defects (since birth)
- Heart infections or disease-related changes
- Extreme physical exertion
- Respiratory disorders
- Infectious diseases
- Poisoning from toxic substances
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Management and Treatment
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment to restore heart beat. The petient needs to be saved right away. Death can occur within minutes if there is no enough treatment.
The first thing to do if one recognises the symptoms, is calling the emergency help and calling the doctors. Chest compressions (CPR) is also the first line of treatment for cardiac arrest. Because it maintains blood flow to important organs. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, it should be used very away since it can shock the heart back into rhythm.
After emergency care, the patient is usually taken to a hospital for further treatment. Doctors give medications, suggest heart surgery if required, or recommend devices like pacemakers or ICDs. Long-term treatment includes medication, healthy lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups to prevent recurrent cardiac arrest.
How to do CPR?
If someone is not breathing, start CPR right away. Start by giving them a fast, forceful push in the middle of their chest. The ideal push pace is between 100 and 120 beats per minute. Compressions or chest pushes aid in resuming the heart’s blood-pumping action.
After every 30 compressions, check the patient’s airway and administer two rescue breaths to perform full cardiac resuscitation. Between each push, make sure their chest raises all the way.
Continue performing chest compressions without stopping. Continue until assistance arrives or an AED (shock device) becomes available. AEDs are available in public settings like shopping centers and airports and provide clear, auditory instructions.
How to Prevent Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest, an abrupt stoppage of heart activity, can be lethal. It happens when the heart’s electrical system fails and the heart stops beating. This can lead to breathing and unconsciousness.
To prevent cardiac arrest, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise frequently, avoid smoking, and control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Schedule regular medical exams and manage stress as essential routine.
Be aware of the warning signs, which include chest pain, shortness of breath, and disorientation. People with heart problems should take their drugs as directed by their doctor. In high-risk situations, doctors may recommend devices like pacemakers or ICDs for further protection.
