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What is Cardiac Arrest?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr K.P. Ranganayakulu , Cardiologist
Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating. This prevents blood from flowing to the brain and other vital organs. The person quickly loses consciousness and stops breathing.
It is a life-threatening emergency that needs fast treatment, like CPR or a shock from a defibrillator. Without quick help, cardiac arrest can lead to death within minutes. It is not the same as a heart attack, but a heart attack can sometimes cause cardiac arrest.
How Common is Cardiac Crrest?
Cardiac arrest is more common than many people think. In India, over 7 lakh people are affected by sudden cardiac arrest every year. Around the world, more than 350,000 cases happen outside hospitals each year.
It often occurs without warning and usually outside medical settings. This makes fast action crucial in saving a life.
Avoid Common Mistakes in Cardiac Arrest Situations
- Delaying CPR
- Not calling for help.
- Waiting for symptoms to go away
- Skipping defibrillation
- Stopping CPR too soon
What are the Symptoms and Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac arrest often happens suddenly, but there may be early warning signs before it occurs. These include:
- Sudden collapse
- Loss of consciousness
- No breathing or abnormal breathing (gasping)
- No pulse or heartbeat
What are the Warning Signs Just Before Cardiac Arrest?
Right before cardiac arrest, a person may show key warning signs like:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Palpitations (irregular or fast heartbeat)
- Weakness or fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
If any of these signs appear, especially in someone with heart problems, seek emergency help immediately.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is typically caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system, which disrupts its ability to pump blood effectively.
Common causes of Cardiac Arrest include:
- Coronary artery disease (blocked arteries)
- Heart attack
- Arrhythmias (primarily ventricular fibrillation)
- Cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle)
- Heart failure
- Congenital heart defects
- Severe blood loss or trauma
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium or magnesium)
- Drug overdose or poisoning
Other Cardiac Arrest Causes Include:
- Severe arrhythmias like long QT syndrome
- An electric shock or lightning strike
- Severe trauma (e.g., car accidents, major injuries)
- Drowning or suffocation
- Hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature)
- Massive blood loss
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Stroke
- Sepsis (a life-threatening infection in the body)
These non-cardiac causes can also trigger sudden cardiac arrest by disrupting the body’s oxygen supply or heart rhythm.
What are the Risk factors that increase the Chance of Cardiac Arrest?
Understanding these risks can help with early prevention and timely medical care.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow is Cardiac Arrest Diagnosed?
Cardiac arrest is diagnosed based on the person's symptoms and clinical signs. Immediate diagnosis is made by checking:
- Unresponsiveness
- No breathing or abnormal breathing
- No pulse
Once the person is revived or reaches the hospital, further tests may be done to find the cause:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Checks heart rhythm
- Blood tests: Detect heart damage, electrolyte levels
- Echocardiogram: Shows heart structure and function
- Coronary angiography: Checks for blocked arteries
- Chest X-ray or CT scan: To detect other underlying conditions
Quick diagnosis and immediate treatment are key to survival.
What are the Treatment Options for Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest requires immediate emergency care to restore heart function and save the person's life. Treatment includes:
Emergency Treatments (On the Spot)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Chest compressions to keep blood flowing to the brain and organs.
- Defibrillation: A defibrillator delivers an electric shock to restart the heart’s rhythm, especially for arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
Medical Treatments
- Advanced Life Support (ALS): Includes airway management, medications (like epinephrine), and continued defibrillation.
- Medications: To stabilize heart rhythm and prevent recurrence (e.g., antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers).
- Coronary Angioplasty or Bypass Surgery: Performed if a blocked artery caused the arrest.
- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD): A device placed in the chest to monitor and correct irregular heartbeats.
- Therapeutic Hypothermia: Cooling the body to reduce brain injury after resuscitation.
Long-Term Management
- Treating the underlying cause (e.g., heart disease, arrhythmia)
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking)
- Regular follow-up with a cardiologist
Early CPR and defibrillation are the most effective steps in saving a life during sudden cardiac arrest.
Side Effects of Cardiac Arrest Treatment
- CPR: This may cause broken ribs or chest pain.
- Defibrillation: This can cause skin burns or muscle soreness.
- Medications: Might lead to irregular heartbeat, nausea, or high blood pressure.
- Cooling therapy: Risk of infection, shivering, or low heart rate.
- ICD or surgery: This may cause pain, infection, or bleeding.
Most side effects are manageable and less severe than the risk of not treating sudden cardiac arrest.
When to See a Doctor?
See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Sudden fatigue or weakness
These could be early warning signs of a heart problem. Early medical care can help prevent cardiac arrest.
Key Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Cardiac Arrest
- What caused my cardiac arrest?
- Am I at risk of it happening again?
- What treatment or device do I need now?
- How can I prevent another episode?
- What lifestyle changes should I make?
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Cardiac Arrest Doctors Today
How to Prevent Cardiac Arrest?
Prevention of Cardiac Arrest
- Manage heart conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol use
- Eat a heart-healthy diet and exercise regularly
- Avoid drug abuse
- Get regular health checkups
- Use medications as prescribed
- Treat arrhythmias or heart issues early
- Consider an ICD if you're at high risk
Complications of Cardiac Arrest
- Brain damage due to a lack of oxygen
- Coma or unconsciousness
- Heart damage or heart failure
- Organ failure
- Death, if not treated quickly
Our Experience in Treating Cardiac Arrest
At Medicover Hospitals, we respond quickly to cardiac arrest emergencies. Our cardiologist expert team is trained to give fast CPR, use defibrillators, and provide advanced care. We have 24/7 ICU support and modern tools to monitor the heart.
After treatment, we guide patients through recovery with personalized care. Our goal is to save lives and support long-term heart health.
