Act Fast, Save a Life: Be Prepared for Cardiac Arrest

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a medical condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the body’s vital organs and tissues. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent irreversible damage and death.

During cardiac arrest, heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing an abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia. Heart is unable to pump blood effectively and cause to a rapid decline in blood pressure and oxygen deprivation to the brain and other organs.

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain and damage to the heart muscle but does not necessarily lead to a complete cessation of the heart’s pumping action.

Statistics About Cardiac Arrest

1. Prevalence: Cardiac arrest is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
2. Incidence: In the United States alone, approximately 475,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year.
3. Survival Rate: The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is generally low, ranging from 6% to 12%. But survival rates can improve with prompt and effective bystander CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
4. Bystander CPR: Studies have shown that bystander CPR can more than double the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
5. AED Usage: Early defibrillation with an AED within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest significantly increases the chances of survival, with the probability decreasing by about 7-10% for every minute that defibrillation is delayed.
6. Gender and Age: Cardiac arrest affects both men and women but men tend to have a higher incidence. Risk of cardiac arrest increases with age and the elderly population is more susceptible.
7. Underlying Heart Conditions: Cardiac arrest is often linked to underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), heart valve problems and previous heart attacks.
8. Location: A large proportion of cardiac arrests occur in private residences, while others occur in public places or healthcare facilities.
9. Seasonal Variation: Some studies have shown a higher occurrence of cardiac arrests during the winter months, possibly due to factors like increased physical strain, respiratory infections and seasonal changes in blood pressure.
10. Long-Term Outcomes: Survivors of cardiac arrest may face physical, cognitive and emotional challenges during their recovery. Some people may experience post-cardiac arrest syndrome, which includes complications like brain injury, lung problems and cardiac dysfunction.

What Is Causes Of Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest can be caused by various factors and they generally fall into two main categories: heart-related causes and non-heart-related causes. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

1. Heart-Related Causes:
   • a. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. This can cause to a heart attack, which may trigger cardiac arrest.
   • b. Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias): Abnormal heart rhythms, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can cause the heart to pump ineffectivel and leading to cardiac arrest.
   • c. Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that weaken the heart’s pumping ability, increasing the risk of arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
   • d. Heart Valve Problems: Malfunctioning heart valves can disrupt blood flow, putting strain on the heart and potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
   • e. Congenital Heart Defects: Some people may be born with structural abnormalities of the heart that can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly in childhood.
2. Non-Heart-Related Causes:
   • a. Drug Overdose: Some drugs, especially those affecting the heart’s electrical system, can trigger arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
   • b. Electrolyte Imbalances: Critical imbalances in essential electrolytes, like as potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, can interfere with the heart’s electrical signals and cause to cardiac arrest.
   • c. Respiratory Failure: Severe breathing problems, such as those caused by drowning, suffocation or choking, can result in a lack of oxygen supply to the heart and lead to cardiac arrest.
   • d. Trauma: Severe trauma, like as from a serious accident or injury, can cause disruption to the heart’s normal function and lead to cardiac arrest.
   • e. Electric Shock: A strong electric shock passing through the body can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and cause cardiac arrest.
   • f. Severe Infection (Sepsis): In some cases, severe infections can lead to a condition known as septic shock, which can affect the heart’s function and lead to cardiac arrest.
   • g. Hypothermia: Extremely low body temperature can slow down the heart’s rhythm and lead to cardiac arrest.

What is Cardiac Arrest Symptoms?

1. Sudden Loss of Responsiveness: Cardiac arrest strikes without warning and the affected person will suddenly collapse and lose consciousness. There are typically no warning signs leading up to the event, making it a truly unexpected and critical emergency.
2. Absence of Normal Breathing: During cardiac arrest, the person’s breathing becomes abnormal or ceases entirely. Instead of normal breathing, the people may make gasping or agonal breaths, which are irregular, labored and ineffective in providing sufficient oxygen to the body.
3. No Detectable Pulse: When you check for a pulse, you will not feel any regular, rhythmic pulsations. Absence of a pulse indicates that the heart has stopped pumping blood effectively throughout the body.

It is vital to act quickly if you encounter someone experiencing these symptoms:

1. Call for Emergency Help: As soon as you realize the signs of cardiac arrest, immediately call for emergency medical assistance. In many countries, the emergency number is 911 but be sure to know the correct emergency number for your location.
2. Start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is a life-saving technique that can maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. If you are trained in CPR, begin chest compressions and rescue breaths following the appropriate guidelines. If you are not trained, providing hands-only CPR (chest compressions only) is still beneficial.
3. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If an AED is accessible, use it promptly. AEDs are portable devices that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary, with the goal of restoring the heart’s normal rhythm.

Time is critical during cardiac arrest and every second counts. Early intervention through CPR and AED usage can significantly improve the chances of survival. Do not hesitate to take action and continue performing CPR until emergency medical professionals arrive and take over.

It is essential to differentiate cardiac arrest from a heart attack, as the symptoms and required actions are different. Heart attack is caused by a blocked coronary artery and may involve symptoms such as chest pain, discomfort, sweating and shortness of breath. While both conditions are serious and require medical attention, cardiac arrest necessitates immediate and aggressive life-saving measures to restore the heart’s function.

What Is Treatment Options Of Cardiac Arrest?

Treatment options for cardiac arrest are time-sensitive and aim to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and blood circulation as quickly as possible.

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): CPR is a critical life-saving technique that involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs. CPR should be initiated immediately when cardiac arrest is suspected and it can be performed by bystanders or healthcare professionals.
2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED): AEDs are portable devices that analyze the heart’s electrical activity and if needed, deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm (defibrillation). AEDs are user-friendly and can be found in many public places. Their prompt use, along with CPR, significantly increases the chances of survival.
3. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): Once emergency medical services arrive, trained medical professionals provide advanced cardiac life support, which involves more advanced interventions to manage the cardiac arrest. This may include administering medications to stabilize the heart’s electrical activity, establishing an airway and providing ventilation with a bag-mask device or advanced airway techniques.
4. Therapeutic Hypothermia: After the heart’s rhythm has been restored, some patients who remain unconscious may benefit from therapeutic hypothermia. This involves cooling the body to a lower temperature for a specific duration to protect the brain from potential damage caused by the lack of oxygen during the cardiac arrest.
5. Treatment of Underlying Causes: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of cardiac arrest is essential to prevent recurrences. Change according to cause, treatments may include medications to manage heart rhythm disorders, interventions to open blocked arteries in the case of a heart attack or surgical procedures to correct structural heart abnormalities.
6. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Survivors of cardiac arrest require specialized care in the intensive care unit to monitor and support their vital functions. This may include close monitoring of heart function, ventilation support, management of blood pressure and other vital signs and the prevention of complications.
7. Cardiac Rehabilitation: After surviving cardiac arrest, patients may undergo cardiac rehabilitation programs to improve their overall cardiovascular health. These programs typically include supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy lifestyle habits and emotional support.

Advice For After Cardiac Arrest

After surviving a cardiac arrest, the road to recovery can be challenging and it requires special attention and care to prevent complications and promote overall well-being. Here are some helpful advice and guidelines for people post-cardiac arrest:

1. Follow Medical Recommendations: It is helpful to adhere to the medical advice provided by doctors. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments and undergoing necessary tests and procedures.
2. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Join in a cardiac rehabilitation program under the guidance of healthcare professionals. These programs typically involve supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy lifestyle habits and emotional support. Cardiac rehab can help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce risk factors and enhance overall quality of life.
3. Heart-Healthy Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limit sodium, saturated fats and added sugars. A balanced diet can help control cholesterol levels, blood pressure and weight.
4. Regular Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity as advised by your healthcare provider. Exercise can help strengthen the heart, improve circulation and boost overall cardiovascular health. Start slowly and gradually increase intensity based on your fitness level and medical clearance.
5. Stop Smoking: If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the most significant steps you can take to improve heart health. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and quitting can significantly reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
6. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation.
7. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly and work with your healthcare provider to manage them within healthy ranges.
8. Weight Management: If overweight or obese, work on achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
9. Medication Management: Take prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider. It is helpful to follow the recommended dosage and schedule to manage underlying heart conditions effectively.
10. Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system of family, friends and healthcare professionals who can help you stay motivated and committed to your recovery.
11. AED Awareness: If possible, consider becoming familiar with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and their locations in public spaces. Knowing how to use an AED can be valuable not only for yourself but also for others in emergencies.
12. Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Be open and honest with your healthcare team about any symptoms or concerns you may have. Regular communication with your healthcare providers is essential for monitoring progress and addressing potential issues promptly.

What is Survival Rates And Life Expactancy Of Cardiac Arrest?

1. Survival Rates for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates are generally low, with studies reporting survival rates ranging from 6% to 12%. Prompt initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly improve the chances of survival.
2. Survival Rates for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Survival rate for in-hospital cardiac arrest tends to be higher compared to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Healthcare facilities have immediate access to medical personnel and advanced life support measures, leading to better outcomes in some cases.
3. Neurological Function and Quality of Life: Even among those who survive cardiac arrest, some people may experience neurological deficits and reduced quality of life due to brain damage caused by the lack of oxygen during the arrest.
4. Life Expectancy: It is challenging to provide a specific life expectancy for people who have experienced cardiac arrest due to the wide range of factors influencing outcomes. Life expectancy is influenced by factors such as the presence of underlying heart disease, overall health status, adherence to post-cardiac arrest care, lifestyle changes and medical treatment.

We wish healthy life to all you and your lovelies.

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