Cardiopulmonary arrest

Cardiopulmonary arrest refers to the sudden cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively. This medical emergency is also known as cardiac arrest and is different from a heart attack or myocardial infarction, although the latter can lead to the former.

Causes

Cardiopulmonary arrest can be caused by several factors, including:

• Arrhythmia: This is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, either too fast or too slow. The most dangerous type of arrhythmia in relation to cardiopulmonary arrest is ventricular fibrillation.
• Coronary artery disease: This is the most common cause of cardiopulmonary arrest. It occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become hardened and narrowed, leading to a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
• Respiratory arrest: This is a condition where breathing stops, leading to a lack of oxygen and causing the heart to stop beating.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cardiopulmonary arrest are sudden and drastic. They include:

• Sudden loss of responsiveness
• No normal breathing
• No pulse

Treatment

Immediate treatment for cardiopulmonary arrest is critical and includes:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): This is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
• Defibrillation: This is a treatment for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a person who has suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest is largely dependent on the time it takes for them to receive treatment. The sooner CPR and defibrillation are started, the better the chance of survival.

See also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Sudden cardiac death
• Advanced cardiac life support