Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical emergency that can occur suddenly. When someone experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping blood. If left untreated, it can cause death. The condition is caused by a blockage in an artery. It’s a major cause of death in many countries. People who have coronary artery disease are more likely to develop this condition. However, there are other factors that contribute to this problem, such as heart failure and arrhythmias.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a type of treatment that aims to revive people who have experienced cardiac arrest. The procedure involves delivering high-frequency, low-amplitude electrical shocks to the heart, then allowing it to recover its normal shape. This technique can double the chances of survival in sudden cardiac arrest.
There are two primary causes of sudden cardiac arrest: coronary artery disease and ventricular fibrillation. CAVD is a condition that causes thickening of the coronary arteries, reducing the flow of blood to the heart. Ventricular fibrillation is a form of arrhythmia that causes the heart to twitch, resulting in a rapid and irregular heartbeat.
A lack of oxygen in the blood can cause damage to the heart and other vital organs. Symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, dizziness, clammy skin, coldness, and pains in the chest and neck. Survivors of cardiac arrest may also exhibit signs of brain damage.
Although most cardiac arrest victims have symptoms in the hours before they collapse, lay rescuers often fail to detect the central sign of the disorder, which is the loss of consciousness. Therefore, it is imperative to call 9-1-1 and find an automated external defibrillator.
Defibrillation can be a life-saving treatment. However, before administering this treatment, the heart will need to be checked for health. In addition, it is advisable to discuss your medical history with your health care provider. Many people are unaware of the risk factors that put them at risk of developing cardiac arrest. These include coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Often, people who have a family history of cardiac arrest don’t know the warning signs. Consequently, they don’t seek help until they are in trouble. However, it’s not recommended that you ignore the symptoms, especially if you are a diabetic or have a heart condition.
Heart attacks are a complication of cardiac arrest. They are caused by a blockage in an aorta or another artery. The heart muscle dies due to the lack of oxygen. If this happens, it will no longer be able to pump blood, causing a sudden, unexplained drop in blood pressure. This results in a lack of blood flow to the brain, which can cause the person to become unconscious.
While there are no exact diagnostic tests, doctors can often diagnose the cause of a cardiac arrest. The most common cause of a cardiac arrest is coronary artery disease. CAD occurs when fatty materials build up in the arteries, narrowing them.
Other causes of sudden cardiac arrest include ventricular arrhythmias, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmias can be caused by a number of conditions, including arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, long QT syndrome, and Brugada syndrome.
