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Cardiac Arrest

What is Cardiac Arrest?

  • Cardiac arrest is a sudden stop of heart function, causing the heart to stop pumping blood to the brain and other organs.
  • Happens suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • Person becomes unconscious within seconds.
  • Breathing stops.
  • Can lead to death within minutes without treatment.
  • Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.
    • Heart attack = blood flow blockage
    • Cardiac arrest = electrical failure of the heart

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

  • Sudden collapse
  • Chest discomfort
  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

  • Ventricular fibrillation
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Previous heart attack
  • Heart failure
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Genetic heart conditions

Emergency Treatment (Life-Saving Steps)

  • Call emergency services immediately
  • Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
  • Use AED (automated external defibrillator) if available
  • Hospital treatment and monitoring

Hospital Treatment

  • Anti-arrhythmic medicines
  • Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
  • Treatment of underlying heart disease

Complications of Cardiac Arrest

  • Brain damage (due to lack of oxygen)
  • Organ failure
  • Coma
  • Sudden death

Prevention of Cardiac Arrest

  • Heart-healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Control BP, cholesterol, diabetes
  • Avoid smoking
  • Regular cardiac checkups
     
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