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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
What Happens When the Heart Stops Beating?
Introduction
When the heart stops beating, it is a critical emergency known as cardiac arrest. This condition prevents oxygenated blood from reaching vital organs, including the brain, leading to unconsciousness within seconds and potential death if not treated immediately.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Several conditions can lead to the heart stopping: - Heart attack (myocardial infarction) – Damage to the heart muscle due to blocked arteries - Arrhythmias – Irregular heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation - Heart failure – Weakened heart unable to pump blood effectively - Severe electrolyte imbalances – Potassium, calcium, or sodium abnormalities - Pulmonary embolism – A blood clot blocking blood flow to the lungs - Severe blood loss or shock
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
A person experiencing cardiac arrest may: - Suddenly collapse - Stop breathing or experience gasping breaths - Have no pulse - Lose consciousness
Emergency Response – What to Do?
- Call Emergency Services Immediately (911 or 112 in Europe)
- Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100-120 compressions per minute)
- If trained, give rescue breaths after every 30 compressions
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available:
- Follow voice prompts to deliver a shock if necessary
- Continue CPR until medical help arrives
Prevention
To reduce the risk of cardiac arrest: - Manage risk factors (blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol) - Follow a heart-healthy lifestyle: exercise, balanced diet, avoid smoking/alcohol - Seek medical attention for unexplained fainting or palpitations
Early recognition and immediate response can save lives!
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
- https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/cpr-files/cpr-guidelines-files/highlights/hghlghts_2020_ecc_guidelines_english.pdf
2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines on Advanced Life Support
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773825/
- https://cprguidelines.eu/assets/guidelines/European-Resuscitation-Council-Guidelines-2021-Ad.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957215003287
- https://www.erc.edu/courses/advanced-life-support
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000629
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.