Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Causes
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs as a result of certain anomalies in the heart's rhythm (a condition known as arrhythmia), which in turn indicates a malfunction in the electrical system of the heart. Predisposing heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and other illnesses may also trigger sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Definition
Sudden cardiac arrest pertains to a sudden, unexpected loss of breathing, heart function, and consciousness. Also known as sudden cardiac death, this condition is a medical emergency that, if untreated, can be fatal.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Diagnosis
Sudden cardiac arrests are almost never predicted. In most cases, patients may seem healthy. However, regular medical checkups may help physicians identify risk factors for conditions that might lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Signs
In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the symptoms are often drastic and appear quite suddenly without warning. Typically, sudden cardiac arrest occurs with: sudden collapse, loss of pulse or heart functions, no signs of breathing, and loss of consciousness. In some instances, other symptoms may precede sudden cardiac arrest, including: fainting, fatigue, blackouts, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, or vomiting. Most of the time, however, sudden cardiac arrest occurs with no warning whatsoever.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Treatment
Sudden cardiac arrest is an urgent emergency situation, and immediate treatment is crucial in the patient's survival. A first step in emergency treatment is immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain blood flow in the body's vital organs. Defibrillation may also be done to restore heart function. A medical team will usually work together to stabilize the patient's condition in the emergency room. If the patient has stabilized, treatment will then consist of medications; implantation of cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); coronary angioplasty; coronary bypass surgery; radiofrequency catheter ablation; corrective heart surgery; and heart transplantation.