Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Causes and Risk Factors

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is a critical medical emergency in which the heart ceases to pump blood, and breathing stops. Without immediate intervention, this condition leads to death. Understanding the causes of CPA helps in both prevention and rapid treatment.

Main Causes of Cardiopulmonary Arrest

1. Cardiac Causes

These are the most common reasons for CPA and include: - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) – A blockage in the coronary arteries can stop the heart. - Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) – Severe arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia disrupt the heart’s pumping ability. - Heart failure – When the heart can no longer pump blood effectively. - Cardiomyopathies – Diseases that affect the heart muscle structure and function. - Cardiac tamponade – Accumulation of fluid around the heart preventing it from beating properly.

2. Respiratory Causes

• Severe asthma attack – Can lead to respiratory failure and subsequent cardiac arrest.
• Pulmonary embolism – A blood clot blocking lung arteries can stop circulation.
• Respiratory failure due to COPD or pneumonia – Long-term lung diseases compromise breathing ability.
• Airway obstruction – Choking or blockage by a foreign object prevents oxygen intake.

3. Neurological and Metabolic Causes

• Stroke – A large stroke can cause brain dysfunction leading to CPA.
• Severe electrolyte imbalances – High or low potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disturb heart rhythms.
• Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia – Severe blood sugar levels affect normal heart function.
• Drug overdose or poisoning – Many drugs (e.g., opioids, sedatives) depress the central nervous system and respiration.

4. Shock and Other Systemic Causes

• Hypovolemic shock – Severe bleeding or dehydration can lead to circulatory collapse.
• Septic shock – Widespread infection leading to organ failure and inadequate blood circulation.
• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) – Causes airway swelling and cardiovascular collapse.

Prevention and Early Recognition

• Managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease reduces the risk.
• Healthy lifestyle choices including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can prevent many cardiovascular causes.
• CPR training – Knowing basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives in emergency situations.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary arrest results from diverse conditions affecting the heart, lungs, brain, and systemic circulation. Identifying these risks early and responding quickly with CPR and defibrillation can improve survival rates.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care

1. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
2. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081530/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918

2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

1. https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000642
3. https://cprguidelines.eu/
4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-021-06368-4
5. https://www.erc.edu/