Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops and becomes unable to pump blood throughout the body. This condition most commonly occurs due to serious arrhythmias.
The main causes of sudden cardiac arrest include electrical conduction disorders (arrhythmias), coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart muscle diseases. Symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness (fainting), inability to breathe, and absence of pulse. Without rapid intervention, it can result in death.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart’s electrical and mechanical activity suddenly stops. The heart serves as our body’s most important pump and pumps blood throughout the body to every cell that needs it. During sudden cardiac arrest, this pumping function suddenly stops, resulting in the brain and other vital organs being deprived of oxygen. The severity of the situation stems from the critical importance of intervention time, as brain cells begin to suffer irreversible damage within 4-6 minutes without oxygen.
What Causes Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops, cutting off blood flow to vital organs. Among the most important causes are acute coronary syndromes (heart attack), arrhythmias (especially ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia), and structural heart diseases. However, non-cardiac factors can also contribute to the development of sudden cardiac arrest. Non-cardiac causes include pulmonary embolism, severe electrolyte imbalances, drug poisoning, trauma, drowning, and severe allergic reactions.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (Heart Attack)
Heart attack occurs due to sudden blockage in the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. Oxygen deprivation of the heart muscle can lead to serious arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest.
Arrhythmias, Rhythm Disorders
Especially ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia can cause sudden cardiac arrest by disrupting the heart’s normal pumping function.
Heart Muscle Diseases
Known as cardiomyopathies, these diseases increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest by disrupting the structure and function of the heart muscle.
Structural Heart Diseases
Structural abnormalities such as heart valve defects and congenital heart anomalies can cause sudden cardiac arrest by preventing normal heart function.
Pulmonary Embolism
Also known as pulmonary embolism, it occurs when lung vessels are blocked by a clot and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Electrolyte Disorders
Severe disorders in potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels can cause sudden cardiac arrest by affecting the heart’s electrical activity.
Drug Poisoning
Overdose or interactions of certain medications can cause sudden cardiac arrest by disrupting the heart’s electrical activity.
Trauma
Severe impacts and injuries to the chest cage or electric shock can cause sudden cardiac arrest by disrupting the heart’s mechanical and electrical functions.
Drowning
Severe oxygen deficiency resulting from drowning in water or airway obstruction can cause cardiac functions to stop.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis can lead to extreme drops in blood pressure and sudden cardiac arrest.
What are the Risk Factors for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Some people have a higher risk for cardiac arrest. The prominent risk factors are:
- History of coronary artery disease
- Hypertension (High blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of early heart disease
Therefore, it’s important for people with a family history of early heart disease to have regular health check-ups.
What are the Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac arrest typically occurs suddenly, without any warning. Its most distinctive feature is the person suddenly losing consciousness and collapsing. In this situation, the patient doesn’t breathe or has abnormal breathing (gasping), pulse cannot be detected, and the skin becomes pale or blue. However, some patients might experience warning signs before cardiac arrest. These symptoms include chest pain, chest pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, excessive sweating, dizziness, and sudden intense weakness. Seeking immediate medical help when these symptoms appear can be life-saving. It’s especially important for people with a history of heart disease to recognize and take these symptoms seriously.
How Should One Respond to Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Intervention during sudden cardiac arrest is the most important factor determining survival chances. First, the patient’s consciousness should be checked and 911 should be called immediately. Consciousness check can be done by calling out to the patient and shaking their shoulders.
Airway control is important in initial intervention. The patient’s head should be tilted slightly back and the chin-lift maneuver performed. Chest movements are observed and breathing is checked. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally or has abnormal breathing (gasping), high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started immediately.
For chest compression, the patient should be placed on a firm surface face-up, and pressure should be applied to the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 times per minute, with a depth of 5-6 cm. After every 30 chest compressions, 2 rescue breaths should be given. However, people who haven’t been trained in artificial respiration can perform chest compressions only.
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, it should be turned on and its voice prompts followed. CPR should only be briefly interrupted during rhythm analysis and shock delivery, and should continue uninterrupted at other times. Continuing chest compressions until the medical team arrives significantly increases the patient’s chances of survival. Having knowledge of basic life support among people at the scene plays a life-saving role in cardiac arrest cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Are Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack the Same Thing?
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are not the same thing. A heart attack occurs when the vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle are blocked, preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, but the heart usually continues to work. Cardiac arrest is the sudden stopping of the heart’s electrical and mechanical activity. While heart attack is one of the most common causes of cardiac arrest, not every heart attack results in cardiac arrest.
What does Arrest mean?
In medical terms, arrest refers to the sudden and complete stopping of normal functions of an organ or body system. Cardiac arrest specifically refers to the condition where the heart’s electrical and mechanical activities stop, completely ceasing its blood pumping function. This means sudden cessation of blood flow to vital organs in the body and is a life-threatening emergency. Similarly, “respiratory arrest” refers to the complete stopping of breathing. Immediate intervention is vital in both situations.
In Which Age Groups Does Sudden Cardiac Arrest Occur?
Cardiac arrest can occur in any age group. In young people, it usually occurs due to congenital heart diseases, genetic arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac arrest during sports. In older age groups, causes such as coronary artery diseases, hypertension, and arrhythmias are more common.
Are There Signs Before Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest usually occurs suddenly and without warning signs. However, some people may experience symptoms hours or days beforehand. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations can be warning signs before cardiac arrest. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially in people with a history of heart disease.
How Should Chest Compressions Be Performed During Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
There are several important points to consider when performing chest compressions during cardiac arrest. The patient should be placed on a firm surface. Pressure should be applied to the center of the chest, specifically the sternum. Compression rate should be 100-120 per minute with a depth of 5-6 cm. The chest should be allowed to fully recoil. CPR should continue without interruption during intervention.
Can Anyone Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used by anyone. By following the device’s voice prompts, shock can be properly administered. AED use is vital, especially in lethal arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
Can People Who Survive Sudden Cardiac Arrest Fully Recover?
People who survive cardiac arrest with early intervention can fully recover. However, chances of survival and recovery depend on the duration of brain oxygen deprivation, CPR quality and timing, and the cause of cardiac arrest. Rapid medical evaluation and treatment increase the chances of recovery.
What Should People at Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest Be Mindful Of?
People at risk of cardiac arrest should be under regular doctor supervision and quit smoking and alcohol use. Following a healthy diet and regular exercise, keeping blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels under control are important. Taking prescribed medications regularly and getting genetic tests if there’s family history can also reduce risk.
What Should Be Done If One Doesn’t Know CPR?
Someone who doesn’t know CPR should immediately call 911 and request help in case of cardiac arrest. The patient’s consciousness and breathing should be checked. If their heart has stopped and they don’t know CPR, they should only perform chest compressions. They should seek help from someone nearby who knows CPR and use an AED if available. Fear of doing something wrong shouldn’t prevent intervention. Any help is better than no help at all.
Can Sudden Cardiac Arrest Be Prevented?
While it’s not always possible to completely prevent cardiac arrest, it’s possible to reduce the likelihood by reducing risk factors. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting regular check-ups, and keeping heart disease risk factors under control are important steps in prevention.
Reference: Sudden Cardiac Arrest