Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. When this happens, blood flow to the brain and other vital organs stops, causing the person to collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally.
Key points:
- It happens suddenly and without warning in many cases.
- The person usually becomes unresponsive and has no pulse.
- Without immediate treatment, it can lead to death within minutes.
Common causes include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms (especially ventricular fibrillation)
- Heart attack
- Severe electrical problems of the heart
- Lack of oxygen, severe trauma, or certain medical conditions
Emergency treatment:
- Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) if available
- Advanced medical care in a hospital
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. A heart attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, while cardiac arrest is an electrical failure that causes the heart to stop beating.