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What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden and often unexpected loss of heart function, which leads to the cessation of blood flow to vital organs. During cardiac arrest, the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop beating effectively. This condition is different from a heart attack, although a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. Without immediate medical intervention, cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes.

Common Causes & Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, can lead to insufficient oxygen supply and trigger cardiac arrest.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT), can disrupt the heart's pumping action, leading to cardiac arrest.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood can disrupt the heart's electrical activity and trigger cardiac arrest.

Sudden Loss of Consciousness

Cardiac arrest typically occurs without warning, leading to a sudden collapse and loss of consciousness.

No Pulse or Breathing

Upon collapsing, the individual may have no detectable pulse or signs of breathing, indicating cardiac arrest.

Unresponsiveness

The person is unresponsive to external stimuli, such as touch, sound, or verbal cues.

Whom to Consult?​ and When to Seek Emergency Medical Assistance?

If you witness someone experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrest, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek emergency medical assistance at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai.

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Consult our Cardiac Care experts if you experience​​

  • Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure that persists, worsens, or occurs with exertion or stress.
  • Shortness of breath, especially if it's sudden, severe, or accompanied by chest pain, nausea, or sweating.
  • Symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, such as crushing chest pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, or jaw.
  • Risk factors for CAD such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or family history of heart disease.

Common FAQs About Cardiac Arrest

Q: Can cardiac arrest be prevented?

A: While not all cases of cardiac arrest can be prevented, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and quitting smoking can reduce the risk. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and undergoing regular medical check-ups can also help identify and manage underlying heart conditions.

Q: What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

A: A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a blood clot. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is the sudden cessation of the heart's electrical activity, leading to a loss of blood flow to vital organs. While a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, not all heart attacks result in cardiac arrest.

Q: What is the survival rate for cardiac arrest?

A: The survival rate for cardiac arrest depends on various factors, including the underlying cause, promptness of intervention, quality of bystander CPR, and access to defibrillation. Immediate initiation of CPR and defibrillation can significantly improve survival rates. However, without timely intervention, cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes

Q.How is cardiac arrest treated?

A: Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Treatment typically involves cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs, along with defibrillation to restore a normal heart rhythm. Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) interventions may include medications, advanced airway management, and other supportive measures.

Q. Can cardiac arrest be prevented?

A: While cardiac arrest cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle modifications and medical interventions can help reduce the risk. These may include maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, managing underlying health conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol), and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms of heart disease.

Q. What is the recovery process after surviving cardiac arrest?

A: Survivors of cardiac arrest may require intensive medical care and monitoring in a hospital setting following resuscitation. The recovery process may involve rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation programs, lifestyle modifications, medication management, and psychological support to address potential physical and emotional effects of the event.

SRM Global Hospitals Pvt Ltd strives to deliver exceptional patient care with world-class expertise supported by next – gen medical and digital technologies because you deserve the quality care and are at the core of everything we do.

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