Cardiopulmonary Arrest (ICD-10 Code: I46)

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary arrest is a medical emergency characterized by the sudden cessation of heart function and breathing. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to restore circulation and prevent irreversible damage.

Causes

There are multiple causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, which can be categorized as cardiac and non-cardiac:

Cardiac Causes: - Myocardial infarction (heart attack) - Arrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia) - Heart failure - Congenital heart disease

Non-Cardiac Causes: - Severe respiratory failure (e.g., pneumonia, asthma, COPD exacerbation) - Trauma (massive bleeding, head injury) - Drug overdose - Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., severe hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia)

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Cardiopulmonary arrest is typically diagnosed when a patient is found unresponsive, without a palpable pulse, and is not breathing adequately. Common signs include: - Sudden collapse - Loss of consciousness - No pulse - No or irregular breathing

Emergency Response (Basic Life Support - BLS)

The key steps in managing a cardiopulmonary arrest include: 1. Recognizing the Emergency: If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, assume cardiopulmonary arrest. 2. Call for Emergency Help: Dial 911 (U.S.) or the equivalent emergency number in your country. 3. Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): - Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute. - Deliver rescue breaths if trained in CPR. 4. Early Defibrillation with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator): - If available, attach the AED and follow its instructions. 5. Advanced Life Support (ALS): Healthcare professionals may use medications, advanced airway management, and defibrillation to restore circulation.

Prevention

Preventing cardiopulmonary arrest involves managing risk factors, such as: - Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels - Managing diabetes effectively - Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption - Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary arrest is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. Recognizing the signs and providing timely intervention, including CPR and AED use, can significantly improve survival rates.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

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://cpr.heart.org/en/
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081529/

2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines

1. https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
2. https://www.erc.edu/
3. https://cprguidelines.eu/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000551
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773835/