Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness, usually caused by an electrical problem in the heart. It can be caused by several factors, including heart disease, heart attack, trauma, drowning, electrocution, drug overdose or other health conditions.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency and requires prompt action, including calling for emergency medical services and performing CPR if trained to do so. If not treated immediately, cardiac arrest can lead to death within a few minutes.
Early recognition of the symptoms of cardiac arrest and prompt treatment can increase the chances of survival.
There are several causes of cardiac arrest, including:
Coronary artery disease: This is the most common cause of cardiac arrest and is caused by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
Heart attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, which can cause damage to the heart muscle and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Structural heart problems: Certain heart conditions, such as cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle) and heart valve problems, can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, can cause the heart to suddenly stop beating effectively.
Electrical problems in the heart: Conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome can cause the heart's electrical system to malfunction and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Drug and alcohol abuse: Substance abuse can affect the heart's electrical system and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Trauma: Physical trauma, such as a severe blow to the chest, can cause cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD): This term is used when cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, without any prior warning signs.
It's important to note that in some cases, the cause of cardiac arrest may not be immediately known.
Cardiac arrest can occur in people of all ages, including infants, children, and older adults. However, certain factors can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, including:
Age: The risk of cardiac arrest increases as people get older.
Family history: People with a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death are at increased risk.
Heart disease: People with heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, are at higher risk of cardiac arrest.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the heart and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at increased risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of heart disease and cardiac arrest.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
It's important to understand that anyone can experience cardiac arrest, even people who appear to be healthy. Early recognition of the symptoms and prompt treatment can increase the chances of survival.
The symptoms of cardiac arrest can come on suddenly and without warning. Some common signs include:
Sudden loss of responsiveness: The person may become unconscious or unresponsive and not respond to stimulation or conversation.
No normal pulse: A person in cardiac arrest will have no pulse or a very weak pulse that is difficult to feel.
No normal breathing: A person in cardiac arrest will stop breathing or have shallow, gasping breaths.
Chest pain or discomfort: Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure may occur before or during a cardiac arrest.
Shortness of breath: The person may have shortness of breath or a rapid, shallow breathing before cardiac arrest.
Lightheadedness or dizziness: The person may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or unsteady before or during a cardiac arrest.
Nausea or vomiting: The person may feel nauseated or experience vomiting before or during a cardiac arrest.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a cardiac arrest, it's important to call for emergency medical services (local emergency number) and start CPR immediately. Every second counts, and prompt action can help to increase the chances of survival.
The first aid for cardiac arrest involves three important steps:
Call for emergency medical services: Call the local emergency number immediately if you suspect someone is having a cardiac arrest.
Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation): If you are trained in CPR, start performing chest compressions immediately. The American Heart Association recommends using a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Chest compressions help to circulate blood and oxygen to the heart and brain.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED): An AED is a portable device that can shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. If an AED is available, follow the instructions to apply it to the person experiencing cardiac arrest.
It's important to note that the survival rate from cardiac arrest decreases with each passing minute, so early recognition of the symptoms and prompt action are critical to increasing the chances of survival.
Treatment
The treatment of cardiac arrest typically involves the following steps:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): ACLS is a set of guidelines and procedures that provide immediate treatment for cardiac arrest. It includes measures such as administering oxygen, starting intravenous (IV) fluids, and giving medications to restore a normal heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Defibrillation: Defibrillation is the delivery of an electric shock to the heart through paddles or patches placed on the chest. The shock can reset the heart's electrical rhythm and restore a normal heartbeat. This is typically performed using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): CPR is a life-saving procedure that involves chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing to circulate blood and oxygen to the heart and brain. CPR can help to keep the heart and brain alive until defibrillation or other advanced treatments can be performed.
Intubation: Intubation is the placement of a tube through the mouth into the airway to help maintain an open airway and provide artificial ventilation.
Medications: Medications can be administered to restore a normal heart rhythm and blood pressure. Anti-arrhythmic medications, such as amiodarone and lidocaine, can be used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms.
Coronary angiography: This is a diagnostic test that uses X-rays and a special dye to see inside the coronary arteries and determine if there are any blockages. If blockages are found, they can be treated with angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD): An ICD is a small device that is implanted under the skin and connected to the heart. It can detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias.
Treatment for cardiac arrest is a complex and time-sensitive process that requires the expertise of trained healthcare professionals. The type and timing of treatments will depend on the individual's specific needs and the cause of the cardiac arrest. Early recognition of the symptoms and prompt treatment are critical to increasing the chances of survival.
How to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on an adult ?
Check the person's responsiveness: Tap the person's shoulder and ask, "Are you okay?" If the person does not respond, call for emergency medical services (911 or the local emergency number) and start CPR immediately.
Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person's chest, on the breastbone, and place the other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and press down with enough force to compress the chest 1.5 to 2 inches. Release the compression and repeat at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Give rescue breaths: Open the person's airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the person's nose closed and blow into the mouth two times, each lasting 1 second. You should see the person's chest rise.
Repeat cycles of compressions and rescue breaths: Continue performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency medical services arrive or the person starts to breathe on their own.
It's important to emphasize that performing CPR on an unconscious person can be challenging and may not always result in successful resuscitation. However, even basic CPR can help to keep the heart and brain alive until defibrillation or other advanced treatments can be performed. If you're not trained in CPR, consider taking a CPR class to learn the proper technique.
Remember, in case of a cardiac arrest, every second counts, and prompt action can save a life.
The steps for performing CPR on a child are similar to those for an adult, but there are a few important differences:
Check the child's responsiveness: Tap the child's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?" If the child does not respond, call for emergency medical services (911 or the local emergency number) and start CPR immediately.
Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the child's chest, just below the nipples, and place the other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and press down with enough force to compress the chest about 1 inch. Release the compression and repeat at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Give rescue breaths: Open the child's airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Pinch the child's nose closed and blow into the mouth one time, lasting 1 second. You should see the child's chest rise.
Repeat cycles of compressions and rescue breaths: Continue performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency medical services arrive or the child starts to breathe on their own.
