What does cardiac arrest mean

[DigitalExplorer]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum and I'm hoping that someone can help me out with a question I have. I recently heard the term "cardiac arrest" and I'm not familiar with what it means. Can anyone provide me with some information on what cardiac arrest actually is and what it means for someone's health? I'm really hoping to find out more about this so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[KnowledgeKnight]

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart suddenly stops beating. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart stops pumping oxygenated blood around their body and they lose consciousness. Without intervention, such as CPR or a defibrillator, the person will die within minutes.

Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

The primary symptom of cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of consciousness. Other signs and symptoms may include:

• No pulse
• No breathing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is usually caused by an electrical problem with the heart. This can be the result of a number of conditions, including:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy
• Arrhythmia
• Electrical abnormalities
• Pulmonary embolism
• Drug overdose
• Trauma

Treatment for Cardiac Arrest

If someone experiences cardiac arrest, it is essential to call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency medical services to arrive, CPR should be performed if possible. For the best chance of survival, a defibrillator should be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm. If this is not available, chest compressions can be used. Once the person is in the hospital, they may require additional treatments, such as medication or surgery, to restore a normal heart rhythm.