Cardiac arrest

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It occurs when the heart's electrical system, responsible for coordinating the heartbeat, malfunctions, leading to irregular or rapid heartbeats (arrhythmias). The most common cause of cardiac arrest is a specific type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation (VF), in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively.

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Medical emergency[edit | edit source]

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency and, if not treated immediately, can lead to death within minutes. It is important to differentiate cardiac arrest from a heart attack, although the two conditions can be related. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, while cardiac arrest is the result of an electrical problem causing the heart to stop pumping blood.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Cardiac arrest can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Heart-related causes: coronary artery disease, enlarged heart (cardiomegaly), valvular heart disease, and congenital heart disease.
  • Electrical problems: abnormalities in the heart's electrical system (such as long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome) can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.
  • Trauma: accidents, injuries, or blunt force to the chest can cause cardiac arrest.
  • Drug overdose: certain medications or drugs, especially when taken in excessive amounts, can lead to cardiac arrest. These include certain prescription medications, illegal drugs (such as cocaine), and even some over-the-counter medications.
  • Drowning, choking, or asphyxiation: lack of oxygen due to these events can cause the heart to stop.
  • Severe electrolyte imbalances: imbalances in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium can affect the heart's electrical system and lead to cardiac arrest.
  • Hypothermia: extremely low body temperature can cause the heart to stop.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of cardiac arrest usually occur suddenly and without warning. They may include:

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness (no response to tapping on shoulders)
  • No normal breathing (gasping for air or not breathing at all)
  • No pulse or heartbeat

Some individuals may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations before the onset of cardiac arrest. However, these symptoms are not always present.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Immediate treatment for cardiac arrest is crucial for survival called basic life support or BLS. The primary steps are:

Advanced life support[edit | edit source]

Emergency medical personnel may also provide advanced life support measures, including advanced airway management, intravenous medications, and manual defibrillation.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Preventing cardiac arrest involves addressing and managing known risk factors, such as:

  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help lower the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
  • Managing existing health conditions: monitoring and treating conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.
  • Regular check-ups: routine medical check-ups can help identify potential risk factors or conditions that could lead to cardiac arrest.
  • Avoiding drug abuse: using drugs, especially stimulants like cocaine, can significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
  • Knowing your family history: if you have a family history of heart disease, sudden cardiac arrest, or other heart-related conditions, inform your doctor so they can assess your risk and recommend appropriate preventive measures.

In some cases, people with known heart problems or a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest may be advised to have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placed. This device can detect dangerous heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of the heart's pumping action, possibly due to a heart attack, respiratory arrest, electrical shock, extreme cold, blood loss, drug overdose, or a severe allergic reaction.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD