Cardiac Arrest: What You Must Know

Heart Attack: What You Must Know!

What Is It?

Cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac attack, occurs when your heart suddenly stops beating. This disrupts the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. It’s a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Call 911 without delay!

Symptoms

Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and rapidly: you may collapse, lose consciousness, stop breathing, and have no pulse. Before it occurs, you might feel extremely tired, dizzy, weak, short of breath, or nauseous. Chest pain can also occur, but not always. In some cases, cardiac arrest strikes without any warning signs.

What Happens

Your heart relies on an electrical system to maintain a regular beat. Cardiac arrest occurs when these electrical signals become disrupted, leading to an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. While many arrhythmias aren’t dangerous, one called ventricular fibrillation is the most common cause of cardiac arrest. When this happens, the heart can't pump enough blood to the body, which can be life-threatening within minutes.

Heart Disease Link

Many people who experience cardiac arrest also have coronary artery disease, which is often the root cause. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to the heart, potentially leading to a heart attack that can damage the heart’s electrical system.

Other Causes

Cardiac arrest can also occur due to other factors, including:

Severe blood loss or a lack of oxygen

Intense exercise in individuals with existing heart problems

Excessive levels of potassium or magnesium, which can cause dangerous heart rhythms

Genetic factors, such as inheriting certain arrhythmias or a predisposition to them

Structural changes to the heart, like an enlarged heart or damage from an infection. 

Not a Heart Attack

Unlike cardiac arrest, a heart attack doesn’t typically cause your heart to stop. Instead, blood flow is blocked, depriving the heart of oxygen, which can damage heart muscle. While the two conditions are separate, they are connected: the scar tissue that forms during recovery from a heart attack can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest. In some cases, a heart attack itself can even trigger cardiac arrest.

Not Heart Failure, Either

Cardiac arrest happens suddenly and is an immediate emergency. Heart failure, however, is different. It’s a condition where the heart weakens over time and struggles to pump enough blood and oxygen throughout the body. As a result, your cells don’t get the nutrients they need, making it harder for your body to function properly. Simple tasks like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, or even walking may leave you feeling out of breath.

At Risk for Cardiac Arrest

You may be at a higher risk if you:

Have coronary artery disease (the biggest risk factor)

Are male?

Have experienced arrhythmias or cardiac arrest, or if it runs in your family

Smoke or misuse drugs or alcohol

Have had one or more heart attacks

Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure

Are obese?

Intense Emotion

Sudden, intense emotions, particularly uncontrolled anger, can lead to arrhythmias that may trigger cardiac arrest. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also increase the risk. This is another reason to talk to your doctor or see a counselor if you’re struggling emotionally.

Treatment

If you experience cardiac arrest, immediate treatment with a defibrillator is crucial. A defibrillator sends an electric shock to the heart, which can sometimes restore a normal heartbeat. However, it must be used within minutes to be effective. First responders, such as police, firefighters, and paramedics, typically carry defibrillators and are trained to use them. Many public places also have automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which anyone can use in an emergency.

AED: What to Do

You don’t need formal training to use an AED (automated external defibrillator)—just follow the instructions. The device can detect dangerous arrhythmias and deliver a lifesaving shock to the heart if necessary. If you suspect someone is having a cardiac arrest, call 911 and send someone to find an AED. In the meantime, perform CPR until the AED or emergency responders arrive.

At the Hospital

Once at the hospital, doctors will closely monitor you and work to determine the cause of your cardiac arrest. If you have coronary artery disease, you may undergo a bypass surgery or a procedure called angioplasty to open blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart. Additionally, you may be prescribed medications and receive guidance on lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of experiencing cardiac arrest again.

See a Cardiologist

After your recovery, you'll need to visit a cardiologist (heart doctor), who will evaluate your heart's electrical system and develop a treatment plan to help prevent another cardiac arrest. You may undergo blood tests and other diagnostic procedures to assess your heart's health.

What Other Tests Might I Get?

Your doctor may recommend the following tests:

EKG (electrocardiogram): Measures your heart's electrical activity.

Echocardiography: Examines the size, shape, and function of your heart.

Cardiac MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Provides detailed images of your heart in action.

MUGA (multiple gated acquisition): Involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your bloodstream, allowing special cameras to capture images of your heart.

Cardiac PET scan: Assesses blood flow to your heart using a small amount of radioactive tracer detected by a PET scanner.

Cardiac Catheterization

Your doctor may insert a soft, thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in your neck, arm, or upper thigh and guide it to your heart. A special dye visible on X-rays may be injected through the tube to check for narrowed or blocked arteries. The procedure can also assess your heart’s response to certain medications or electrical signals. In some cases, the catheter may be used for angioplasty, a procedure to open blocked arteries.

If You Need an ICD

An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that a surgeon can implant under your skin. It monitors your heart and delivers an electric shock if it detects certain irregular heart rhythms. Your doctor may recommend an ICD if you have severe heart disease or have experienced a cardiac arrest. In some cases, the device may also include a pacemaker to help maintain a regular heart rhythm. The procedure involves placing the ICD beneath your skin through a surgical operation.

Prevention: Changes That May Help

Mind your diet. Focus on eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Achieve a healthy weight. If you're unsure how to start, ask your doctor for guidance.

Manage stress. Take steps to keep stress under control and prevent it from overwhelming you.

Stay active. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week once your doctor gives the green light, and avoid sitting for long periods.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease and can increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

"Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure accuracy and up-to-date content, medical knowledge is constantly evolving. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment tailored to your specific needs."