Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is the sudden and complete loss of heart function, causing the heart to stop pumping blood effectively to the brain, lungs, and other organs, resulting in immediate loss of consciousness and absence of normal breathing. It is distinct from a heart attack, which involves blocked blood flow to the heart muscle itself, though a heart attack can trigger the abnormal heart rhythms that lead to cardiac arrest. Without immediate intervention through cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, cardiac arrest is fatal within minutes, as brain damage begins within four to six minutes of the heart stopping. Survival rates depend heavily on how quickly bystander CPR and defibrillation are started, making public awareness and access to automated external defibrillators critically important.

The most common symptoms include: sudden collapse; loss of consciousness; absence of normal breathing or only gasping breaths; no detectable pulse. Early recognition is key to prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

No, Cardiac Arrest is not contagious. It cannot spread through casual contact. However, certain risk factors and genetic predispositions may increase susceptibility.

Treatment options include: Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation; involving chest compressions and rescue breaths; is essential to maintain some blood flow to vital organs until definitive treatment can be provided. Defibrillation. Treatment should always be guided by a qualified Emergency Medicine specialist. Do not self-medicate.

While Cardiac Arrest cannot always be fully prevented, several measures can reduce risk: managing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure; cholesterol; and diabetes.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of Cardiac Arrest. This is a serious condition — go to the emergency room or call 112 if symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.