Learn About Cardiac Arrest

What is the definition of Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body also stops. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If it is not treated within a few minutes, cardiac arrest most often causes death.

What are the alternative names for Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest; SCA; Cardiopulmonary arrest; Circulatory arrest; Arrhythmia - cardiac arrest; Fibrillation - cardiac arrest; Heart block - cardiac arrest

What are the causes of Cardiac Arrest?

While some people refer to a heart attack as a cardiac arrest, they are not the same thing. A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery stops the flow of blood to the heart. The medical term for this is myocardial infarction. A heart attack can damage the heart, but it does not necessarily cause death. However, a heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system, such as:

  • Ventricular fibrillation (VF) -- When VF occurs, the lower chambers in the heart quiver instead of beating regularly. The heart cannot pump blood, which results in cardiac arrest. This can happen without any cause or as a result of another condition.
  • Heart block -- This occurs when the electrical signal is slowed or stopped as it moves through the heart.

Problems that may lead to cardiac arrest include:

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) -- CHD can clog the arteries in your heart, so the blood cannot flow smoothly. Over time, this can put a strain on your heart's muscle and electrical system.
  • Heart attack -- A prior heart attack can create scar tissue that can lead to VF and cardiac arrest.
  • Heart problems, such as congenital heart disease, heart valve problems, heart rhythm problems, and an enlarged heart can also lead to cardiac arrest.
  • Abnormal levels of potassium or magnesium -- These minerals help your heart's electrical system work. Abnormally high or low levels can cause cardiac arrest.
  • Severe physical stress -- Anything that causes a severe stress on your body can lead to cardiac arrest. This can include trauma, electrical shock, or major blood loss.
  • Recreational drugs -- Using certain drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, also increases your risk for cardiac arrest.
  • Medicines -- Some medicines can increase the likelihood of abnormal heart rhythms.
What are the symptoms of Cardiac Arrest?

Most people do not have any symptoms of cardiac arrest until it happens. Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness; a person will fall to the floor or slump down if sitting
  • No pulse
  • No breathing

In some cases, you may notice some symptoms about an hour before cardiac arrest. These may include:

  • A racing heart
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Chest pain
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What are the current treatments for Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest needs emergency treatment right away to get the heart started again.

  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) -- This is often the first type of treatment for cardiac arrest. It can be done by anyone who has been trained in CPR. It can help keep oxygen flowing in the body until emergency care arrives.
  • Defibrillation -- This is the most important treatment for cardiac arrest. It is performed using a medical device that gives an electrical shock to the heart. The shock can get the heart beating normally again. Small, portable defibrillators are often available in public areas for emergency use by people trained to use them. This treatment works best when given within a few minutes.

If you survive cardiac arrest, you will be admitted to a hospital for treatment. Depending on what caused your cardiac arrest, you may need other medicines, procedures, or surgery.

You may have a small device, called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placed under your skin near your chest. An ICD monitors your heartbeat and gives your heart an electric shock if it detects an abnormal heart rhythm.

Who are the top Cardiac Arrest Local Doctors?

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

1215 New Litchfield St, 
Torrington, CT 
 1.7 mi

Carrie Wolfberg is a Cardiologist in Torrington, Connecticut. Dr. Wolfberg has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cardiac Arrest. Her top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Apoplexy, Atrial Fibrillation, and Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia.

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital

1215 New Litchfield St, 
Torrington, CT 
 1.7 mi

Joseph Abreu is a Cardiologist in Torrington, Connecticut. Dr. Abreu and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cardiac Arrest. His top areas of expertise are Hypertensive Heart Disease, Atrial Fibrillation, Coronary Heart Disease, and Atherosclerosis.

 
 
 
 
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100 Grand St, Cardiology Department, 
New Britain, CT 
 19.7 mi

Justin Lundbye is a Cardiologist in New Britain, Connecticut. Dr. Lundbye and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Cardiac Arrest. His top areas of expertise are Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Fibrillation, Pulmonary Edema, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Cardiac Arrest?

Most people do not survive cardiac arrest. If you have had a cardiac arrest, you are at high risk of having another. You will need to work closely with your doctors to reduce your risk.

What are the possible complications of Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest can cause some lasting health problems including:

  • Brain injury
  • Heart problems
  • Lung conditions
  • Infection

You may need ongoing care and treatment to manage some of these complications.

When should I contact a medical professional for Cardiac Arrest?

Call your provider or 911 or the local emergency number right away if you have:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
How do I prevent Cardiac Arrest?

The best way to protect yourself from cardiac arrest is to keep your heart healthy. If you have CHD or another heart condition, ask your provider how to reduce your risk for cardiac arrest.

What are the latest Cardiac Arrest Clinical Trials?
Assessment of Brain Damage Using Monitoring of Cerebral Oximetry Dynamics in Patients After Cardiac Arrest

Summary: Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Europe. The recommended treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and electrical defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED). The chain of survival, which connects all links of basic and additional resuscitation procedures and post-resuscitation care is important for successful survival. Most...

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The Impact of Real Time Ventilation Feedback on Ventilation Rate and Tidal Volume During Cardiac Arrest.

Summary: During out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patient are first ventilated without ventilation feedback (but with a flowsensor connected), hereafter patients are ventilated with the use of ventilation feedback.

What are the Latest Advances for Cardiac Arrest?
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 27, 2024
Published By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Goldberger JJ, Albert CM, Myerberg RJ. Cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 70.

Myerburg RJ, Lampert R. Cardiac arrest and life-threatening arrhythmias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 50.