What is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is the abrupt cessation of cardiac activity, respiration, and awareness. It happens when the heart’s electrical system fails, resulting in an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). This uneven pulse impairs blood supply to the brain and other essential organs, resulting in loss of consciousness and, if not treated promptly, death.

How is it caused?

1. Coronary artery disease: This is the most common cause of cardiac arrest. It happens when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
2. Heart attack (myocardial infarction): A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot. This can cause damage to the heart muscle and disrupt its electrical system, leading to cardiac arrest.
3. Electrical disturbances: Certain conditions, such as ventricular fibrillation (rapid, erratic heartbeat) or ventricular tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), can disrupt the heart’s normal electrical activity and lead to cardiac arrest.
4. Structural abnormalities: Conditions such as cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), congenital heart defects, or valve disorders can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
5. Electrolyte imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood can affect the heart’s electrical activity and increase the risk of arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
6. Drug abuse: Certain drugs, particularly stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, can trigger cardiac arrest by causing abnormal heart rhythms or constricting blood vessels.
7. Severe trauma: Traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in a serious car accident or from a fall, can lead to cardiac arrest due to massive blood loss or direct injury to the heart.
8. Drowning: Lack of oxygen can cause cardiac arrest, as the heart cannot function properly without an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood.