Cardiac arrest is the sudden loss of heart function, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. This condition prevents blood from circulating to the brain and other vital organs, leading to unconsciousness and death if not treated immediately.
The most common cause of cardiac arrest is arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart's electrical signals become irregular or chaotic, causing the heart to stop pumping blood effectively. Other causes include heart attack, drowning, electrocution, and severe electrolyte imbalances.
The most obvious symptom of cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of responsiveness. The person may not respond when spoken to or touched. Other signs include abnormal or no breathing and the absence of a pulse.
Certain factors increase the risk of cardiac arrest, including a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. A family history of cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death also plays a role.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately to help maintain blood flow to the vital organs. Defibrillation, which delivers an electric shock to the heart, may be necessary to restore a normal heart rhythm.
The survival rate for cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting is relatively low, around 10 per cent. However, immediate CPR and defibrillation can significantly improve the chances of survival.
While not all cases of cardiac arrest can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco smoke, and getting regular exercise.