CARDIAC ARREST

 Basic information

description

Cardiac arrest is the total loss of heart-pumping action. Delay of treatment for only 3 to 5 minutes may cause death or permanent brain damage. Up to age 45, it is more common in men. After age 45, the incidence is equal in men and women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Brief dizziness; then fainting and unconsciousness.
• No pulse. Usually breathing also stops.
• Skin color becomes bluish-white. The pupils of the eye may get bigger.
• Seizures.
• Loss of bowel and bladder control (sometimes). Simple fainting may seem like a cardiac arrest, but heartbeat and breathing continue.

causes

Heart stops beating suddenly. This may be due to a heart that is beating too fast, too slow, or that has an irregular heartbeat. Other causes include electrical shock, drowning, choking, trauma, or respiratory arrest (lungs stop working).

risk increases with

• Heart attack or heart disease.
• Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot to the lung).
• Lack of blood circulation and profound shock caused by uncontrolled bleeding or overwhelming infection.
• Loss of oxygen from drowning, choking, or from anesthesia during surgery.
• Potassium or fluid imbalance in the blood.
• Diabetes.
• Use of certain heart medicines.
• Use of medicines that help with fluid retention. These can cause low potassium in the blood.
• Use of any drug that raises blood pressure in a heart patient. This can include cold capsules, decongestant tablets, and nasal sprays.
• Using drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and intravenous drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Live a healthy lifestyle. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, maintain ideal weight for height, and don't smoke.
• If you have heart disease or other risk factors, follow your treatment instructions carefully.
• Have family members and close friends learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

expected outcomes

The victim may survive if emergency medical treatment is given in the first few minutes. The outcome depends on what caused the cardiac arrest.

possible complications

Death or permanent brain damage if heart action cannot be resumed in 3 to 5 minutes. Most patients die before reaching an emergency care center.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Rescuers should start CPR if the victim is unconscious (unresponsive), not moving, and not breathing. Even if the victim takes occasional gasps, rescuers should suspect cardiac arrest has occurred and should start CPR.
• Emergency medical care involves shocking the heart back into a normal heartbeat. This process is called defibrillation.
• Ensure that you and your family members learn CPR. Call your local Red Cross or hospital for information. You may save a life.
• If you have heart disease or have risk factors, wear a medical alert identification (a bracelet or neck tag).
• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are being placed in public places (such as airports). They can be used by anyone to help a person who is having cardiac arrest.

medications

Drugs may be prescribed to treat the cause of cardiac arrest once the crisis is over.

activity

After recovery, activities should be resumed gradually. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

diet

Don't give fluids or foods to anyone with signs of cardiac arrest. He or she could choke.

 CALL FOR EMERGENCY HELP

• If the victim is not conscious and not breathing:
  • Call 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or medical help.
  • Yell for help. Don't leave the victim.
  • Perform CPR.
  • Don't stop CPR until help arrives.

Special Notes: