Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden and abrupt loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It’s typically caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the heart, cardiac arrest is a problem with the heart’s electrical system.

Causes: The most common cause is ventricular fibrillation (VF), an erratic, disorganized firing of electrical impulses in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). This prevents the heart from contracting properly and pumping blood effectively. Other causes include ventricular tachycardia (VT), a rapid heart rhythm originating in the ventricles, as well as underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy (diseased heart muscle), and congenital heart defects. Electrolyte imbalances, drug overdoses, and trauma can also trigger cardiac arrest.

Symptoms: Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and without warning. The primary symptom is an immediate loss of consciousness. The person will stop breathing normally or only gasp. They will have no pulse. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for survival.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is typically made based on the clinical presentation – the absence of responsiveness, breathing, and pulse. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to confirm the presence of abnormal heart rhythms like VF or VT. Further investigations may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest, particularly if the person survives.

Treatment: Immediate action is essential for survival. The most important treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. CPR helps to circulate blood and oxygen to the vital organs until more advanced medical help arrives. The other critical intervention is defibrillation, using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver an electric shock to the heart. This can reset the heart’s electrical activity and allow it to resume a normal rhythm. Paramedics and other emergency responders provide advanced life support, including medications to support heart function and breathing.

Prevention: While not always preventable, the risk of cardiac arrest can be reduced by addressing underlying heart conditions. This includes managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, as well as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Knowing CPR and how to use an AED are also crucial for improving survival rates in the event of cardiac arrest.

Survival: Survival rates for cardiac arrest are significantly improved with prompt CPR and defibrillation. The sooner these interventions are initiated, the greater the chance of survival. Public education and access to AEDs in public places are vital for increasing awareness and improving outcomes. Following a cardiac arrest, survivors may require ongoing medical care, including medications, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac rehabilitation to manage any underlying heart conditions and prevent future events.