Know what Cardiac Arrest is and some other facts about it
Cardiac Arrest is a sudden, life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the heart's electrical system malfunctions, causing it to abruptly stop beating. When the heart stops, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs ceases immediately. This causes the person to collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. Without immediate intervention, death may occur within minutes. It is a critical public health issue where a quick response from bystanders could mean the difference between life and death.
How a Cardiac Arrest is different from a heart attack
A Cardiac Arrest is significantly different from a heart attack, which is a "plumbing" problem where blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. While a heart attack can sometimes lead to a Cardiac Arrest, they are not the same event. Cardiac Arrest is an "electrical" problem, where the heart's pumping function ceases entirely.
Why it happens
The heart has its own internal electrical system that controls the rate and rhythm of its beats. A Cardiac Arrest is typically triggered by an arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. The most common cause is a chaotic rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, where the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) tremble uselessly instead of contracting to pump blood.
The underlying causes for these electrical malfunctions are often related to pre-existing heart conditions. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), where the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed by plaque, is the most common risk factor. A heart attack, which is a result of a blocked coronary artery, can also trigger a Cardiac Arrest by damaging the heart's electrical system. Other conditions, such as an enlarged heart, heart valve disease, or congenital heart defects, can also increase a person's risk.
People with no prior heart disease too are potential victims
A Cardiac Arrest can also strike people who have no known heart problems. Factors like extreme physical stress, severe blood loss, very low levels of certain minerals like potassium or magnesium, or a sharp, sudden blow to the chest can all trigger an electrical disturbance in an otherwise healthy heart.
Knowing the signs and being prepared to act can save a life
The symptoms of a Cardiac Arrest are immediate: a sudden collapse, no pulse, and no breathing. In this situation, time is of the essence. The only way to restore a normal heart rhythm is with an electrical shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and to keep blood flowing with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). By raising awareness and encouraging people to learn CPR and how to use an AED, we can respond to a Cardiac Arrest quickly and effectively.
