Cardiac arrest (sometimes also called sudden cardiac arrest) happens when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood, which limits all blood flow to your brain and other organs and causes a loss of consciousness. This condition commonly occurs when your heart stops beating due to an abnormal heart rhythm. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and attention from a healthcare provider.
It's worth noting that cardiac arrest is often unpredictable. But, there are some warning signs that happen just before the collapse and in the preceding days before a cardiac arrest that you should be on the lookout for.
Signs of a Cardiac Arrest
When the heart suddenly stops beating and causes an immediate loss of blood flow to the vital organs, the person undergoing cardiac arrest will need immediate medical attention. Without quick treatment (such as CPR), cardiac arrest can often be fatal (deadly). Immediate treatment can offer temporary blood flow and help reset the heart's rhythm.
Someone having a cardiac arrest can't always recognize what's happening to them, nor can they stop the condition from occurring. That's why if you see someone suddenly collapse, it's vital to first call for professional medical support and then immediately start CPR.
The following warning signs can help you recognize if someone is having a cardiac arrest:
A sudden collapse
Loss of consciousness
No response to loud calling or shaking
Lack of a pulse
Difficulty breathing, gasping, or the absence of any breath or respirations
Cold skin that can sometimes appear blue
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. After you call 911 for medical support, the AHA also recommends the following steps to perform hands-only CPR:
Ensure that the person is lying flat on their back
Kneel beside the person
Place your hands in the center of their chest and interlock your fingers
Lock your elbows and keep your arms as straight as possible
Push down hard and fast in the middle of their chest at the rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute and a depth of 2 inches as you push for adults
Keep performing these compressions until medical help arrives.
If you are in a public place and there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) near you, grab the device or have someone get it for you. An AED is a medical device that delivers an electric shock to the heart of someone experiencing a cardiac arrest. These devices are often located on a wall in many public places, such as airports, train stations, libraries, gyms, and office buildings.
While these devices may seem intimidating—especially if you've never used one—they are very easy to use. Once you open the kit, the device gives you verbal instructions on how to apply sticker patches to the unconscious person and deliver an electric shock, which is a life-saving treatment for cardiac arrest.
Symptoms Before a Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest happens suddenly, and there may be no symptoms that happen before the collapse. But, in some cases, a person who's at risk of cardiac arrest may display certain symptoms that could be warning signs of an imminent (or, upcoming) collapse. It's important to stay vigilant if you notice the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one:
Heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat
Chest pain
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Extreme fatigue
Shortness of breath
Flu-like symptoms
Conditions That Can Cause Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest happens suddenly, often without any warning. However, in some cases, there may be symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to cardiac arrest. This is especially common if you or your loved one has an underlying heart condition. The following heart conditions may increase the risk of cardiac arrest:
Heart attack: Someone who is having a heart attack is at an increased risk of also experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Symptoms of a heart attack to look out for include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shooting pain in the arms, nausea, and extreme fatigue.
Coronary artery disease (CAD): The most common type of heart disease that causes reduced blood flow to the heart and can result in a blockage. Those with CAD may complain of chest pain or shortness of breath before having a cardiac arrest.
Cardiomyopathy: A heart muscle disease that can often cause heart failure. People with cardiomyopathy may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, leg swelling, and rapid weight gain before cardiac arrest.6
Ventricular arrhythmias: This condition occurs when the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) start having abnormal heartbeats. Those who have ventricular arrhythmias may have a medical device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that is implanted in their body. If a person with an ICD starts experiencing heart palpitations or shocks from their ICD, this could be a warning sign of an impending cardiac arrest.7
When to Contact A Healthcare Provider
Anyone who experiences cardiac arrest requires immediate emergency medical assistance, including CPR. Seek medical attention if someone near you is displaying warning signs of a cardiac arrest or you notice someone suddenly collapse. Early intervention and treatment are vital for their survival.
If you or a loved one have an underlying heart disease or start experiencing the following symptoms, it's good practice to see a healthcare provider for support:
Chest pain
Episodes of fainting
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Leg swelling
A Quick Review
Cardiac arrest is a sudden collapse that happens when the heart stops beating. The condition often occurs due to a disturbance in your heart rhythm. The warning signs of cardiac arrest include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and absence of breathing and pulse. Some people may have symptoms before a cardiac arrest, such as heart palpitations or chest pain. Immediate CPR and emergency medical attention is necessary to prevent death.
Credit: health.com
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