Cardiac Arrest: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, cardiac arrest results in the immediate cessation of blood flow to vital organs, leading to death within minutes if untreated.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Several conditions can lead to cardiac arrest, including: - Ventricular fibrillation (VF): A chaotic electrical activity in the heart causing it to quiver instead of pumping blood. - Severe heart attack (myocardial infarction): If a major heart attack disrupts the heart’s electrical system, it can trigger cardiac arrest. - Cardiomyopathy: Disease of the heart muscle which can impair its function. - Electrolyte imbalances: High or low levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can disturb the heart’s rhythm. - Drug overdose or poisoning: Certain drugs, including opioids and stimulants, may cause fatal arrhythmias. - Severe bleeding or shock: Conditions such as trauma, sepsis, or extreme dehydration can lead to inadequate perfusion and cardiac arrest.

Symptoms and Immediate Actions

Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and is characterized by: - Loss of consciousness - Absence of pulse - No breathing or only gasping

What to Do in Case of Cardiac Arrest

1. Call emergency services immediately (911/112). Minutes matter, and survival chances decrease by 10% with each passing minute without CPR or defibrillation.
2. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
3. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If available, follow the AED’s instructions to deliver an electric shock.
4. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

Cardiac arrest prevention strategies include: - Managing heart disease through medications and lifestyle changes. - Regular medical check-ups to monitor cardiovascular health. - Avoiding excessive alcohol, smoking, and illicit drugs. - Using an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in high-risk patients who have a history of serious arrhythmias.

Conclusion: Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate response. Recognizing risk factors, learning CPR, and ensuring easy access to AEDs can save lives.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC)

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/resources/about-cpr-and-ecc
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
5. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/highlights/hghlghts_2020_ecc_guidelines_english.pdf

2. European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines for Resuscitation

1. https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
2. https://www.erc.edu/
3. https://cprguidelines.eu/
4. https://www.resuscitationjournal.com/article/S0300-9572(21)00063-0/fulltext
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26477410/