What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden and unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), which stops the heart from pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. It is a medical emergency and can lead to death within minutes if not treated promptly.
Important Note: Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack (myocardial infarction), although a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. However, some immediate signs and symptoms include:
- Sudden collapse
- Loss of consciousness
- No pulse
- No breathing
Sometimes, just before cardiac arrest, a person may experience:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Palpitations
- Dizziness or fainting
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
The most common cause is an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), particularly ventricular fibrillation. Other causes include:
Heart-related causes:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged or thickened heart muscle)
- Congenital heart disease
- Heart failure
- Severe arrhythmias
Other causes:
- Electrocution
- Drowning
- Drug overdose (especially opioids or cocaine)
- Respiratory arrest
- Trauma (especially chest injury)
- Severe bleeding or shock
- Extremely low potassium or magnesium levels
Prevention of Cardiac Arrest
1. Manage heart health:
- Control high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Stop smoking and drinking.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats, salt, and sugar).
- Exercise regularly.
2. Medical care and screening:
- Get regular heart checkups, especially if you have a family history.
- Use prescribed medications correctly (e.g., for arrhythmias or blood pressure).
- Treat sleep apnea if diagnosed.
- Consider an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) if at high risk.
3. Lifestyle changes:
- Avoid illegal drug use.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress effectively.
First Aid Treatment for Cardiac Arrest (CPR and AED)
Immediate action is critical to save the person’s life. The chain of survival includes:
1. Check responsiveness and breathing:
- Tap and shout.
- If no response and not breathing normally, assume cardiac arrest.
2. Call for help:
- Dial emergency services immediately (e.g., 1112 or 911).
- Ask someone to get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available.
3. Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation):
- Place the person on their back on a firm surface.
- Kneel beside them.
- Chest compressions:
- Place your hands (one on top of the other) in the center of the chest.
- Press hard and fast: at least 100–120 compressions per minute, about 2 inches deep.
- Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
- If trained, give rescue breaths (30 compressions to 2 breaths). If not trained, continue hands-only CPR.
4. Use an AED as soon as available:
- Turn on the AED and follow its voice instructions.
- Apply the electrode pads as shown on the device.
- Stand clear while the AED analyzes and delivers a shock if advised.
5. Continue CPR:
- Keep doing CPR until:
- Emergency help arrives.
- The person shows signs of life (e.g., movement, breathing).
- You are physically unable to continue.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. Knowing the signs, causes, prevention strategies, and especially how to perform CPR and use an AED, can make the difference between life and death. Public awareness and training in CPR are essential components of community health preparedness.
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