In cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating or beats so fast that it cannot pump blood to the body, causing a medical emergency. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiac arrest, which can result in death or permanent brain damage within minutes if not treated promptly.
During cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system is disrupted, resulting in a sudden loss of rhythm. A cardiac arrest is most often caused by ventricular fibrillation, which is a chaotic and rapid quivering of the heart's lower chambers. Other causes include:
Ventricular tachycardia, which is a fast but regular heartbeat that originates in the ventricles
Heart attack, which is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle that can damage its electrical system
Heart failure, which is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs
Heart valve disease, which is a disorder that affects the opening and closing of the heart valves
Congenital heart disease, which is a defect in the structure of the heart that is present at birth
Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease that weakens or enlarges the heart muscle
Myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a genetic condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle
Long QT syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that affects the electrical activity of the heart
Brugada syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that affects the electrical activity of the right ventricle
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which is a condition that causes an extra electrical pathway between the upper and lower chambers of the heart
Coronary artery spasm, which is a sudden narrowing of one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart
Electrolyte imbalance, which is an abnormal level of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood
Drug overdose or poisoning, which can affect the heart’s rhythm or function
Severe bleeding or shock, which can reduce blood pressure and oxygen delivery to the heart
Hypothermia, which is a dangerously low body temperature
Electric shock or lightning strike, which can damage the heart’s electrical system
The symptoms of cardiac arrest are sudden and severe and include:
Loss of consciousness
No pulse or breathing
Collapse or fall
Gasping or snorting sounds
Some people may experience warning signs before cardiac arrest such as:
Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Sweating or clamminess
However, many people have no symptoms before cardiac arrest and collapse without warning.
You cannot diagnose cardiac arrest at home because it requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 or local emergency services if you witness someone in cardiac arrest. If available, use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
At the hospital, doctors will perform tests to confirm cardiac arrest and determine its cause. These tests may include:
Electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart
Blood tests, which measure the levels of enzymes, hormones, electrolytes, and drugs in the blood
Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart structure and function
Coronary angiogram, which uses dye and X-rays to show the blood flow in the coronary arteries
Chest X-ray, which shows the size and shape of the heart and lungs
Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which provide detailed images of the heart and other organs
The treatment of cardiac arrest aims to restore blood flow to the brain and other vital organs as quickly as possible. The main treatments for cardiac arrest are:
CPR, which involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood circulating until advanced care arrives
AED, which is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm
Defibrillation, which is a procedure that delivers an electric shock to the heart through paddles or patches attached to a machine called a defibrillator
Cardiopulmonary bypass, which is a machine that takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery or other procedures
Medications, which are given intravenously or through a tube inserted into the windpipe to help the heart beat or control its rhythm
Coronary angioplasty, which is a procedure that uses a balloon and a stent to open a blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which is a surgery that uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery and improve blood flow to the heart
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which is a device that is surgically implanted under the skin and connected to the heart by wires. It monitors the heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock if needed to prevent cardiac arrest
Pacemaker, which is a device that is surgically implanted under the skin and connected to the heart by wires. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to regulate its rhythm
Radiofrequency ablation, which is a procedure that uses heat to destroy abnormal tissue in the heart that causes arrhythmias
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which is a type of pacemaker that coordinates the contractions of the left and right ventricles to improve the heart’s pumping efficiency
Left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which is a mechanical pump that helps the left ventricle pump blood to the body
Heart transplant, which is a surgery that replaces a diseased heart with a healthy one from a donor
Many cases of cardiac arrest can be prevented by reducing the risk factors and treating the underlying causes. Some general recommendations for cardiac arrest prevention include:
Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
Limiting alcohol intake
Eating a balanced diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
Getting regular physical activity
Managing stress levels and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disease
Taking medications as prescribed for heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart failure, or angina
Following up with your doctor regularly for check-ups and tests
Learning CPR and how to use an AED
If not treated promptly, cardiac arrest can cause death or permanent brain damage. It occurs when the heart stops beating or beats too fast to pump blood. CPR and defibrillation are the main treatments for cardiac arrest. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and following medical advice can help prevent or treat cardiac arrest.
