Understanding Cardiac Arrest (Heart Stop)

Introduction

Cardiac arrest, commonly referred to as 'heart stop,' is a life-threatening emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating. This leads to a cessation of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, causing loss of consciousness and, if not treated immediately, can lead to death.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is often caused by underlying heart conditions, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common cause, where arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, particularly ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT), can prevent the heart from pumping effectively.
• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack can trigger electrical disturbances in the heart, leading to cardiac arrest.
• Heart Failure: A weakened heart muscle may not maintain normal rhythm, increasing the risk of arrest.
• Congenital Heart Disease: Some people are born with structural heart problems that can lead to arrest.
• Electric Shock, Drowning, or Severe Trauma: External factors that can stop the heart.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, but there may be warning signs beforehand, such as:

• Sudden collapse
• No pulse
• No breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Prior symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations

Immediate Emergency Response (Basic Life Support, BLS)

If you witness someone experiencing cardiac arrest, follow these steps:

1. Call emergency services (911 in the U.S., 112 in Europe). Immediate medical intervention is necessary.
2. Check for responsiveness and breathing. If absent, start CPR.
3. Perform Chest Compressions: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100-120 compressions per minute).
4. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available. Follow the instructions provided on the device to deliver a shock if necessary.
5. Continue CPR until emergency medical professionals arrive.

Treatments and Long-Term Management

In a hospital setting, cardiac arrest is treated with:

• Defibrillation: An electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
• Medications: Epinephrine and antiarrhythmic drugs to stabilize heart rhythm.
• Cardiac Catheterization: If a heart attack caused the arrest, doctors may open blocked arteries.
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): A device placed in some patients to prevent future lethal arrhythmias.

Prevention Strategies

To reduce the risk of cardiac arrest: - Manage risk factors: Control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. - Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoidance of smoking. - Regular check-ups: Early detection of heart disease can prevent complications. - Medication adherence: Follow prescriptions for heart conditions as advised by your doctor.

Cardiac arrest requires immediate attention and prompt response. Learning CPR and AED use can save lives!

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for 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 (ERC) Guidelines on Cardiac Arrest Management

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-021-06368-4
2. https://www.resuscitationjournal.com/article/S0300-9572(21)00064-2/fulltext
3. https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000642
5. https://cprguidelines.eu/