What happens to the body in the event of a cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that is often mistaken for a heart attack or heart failure. However, cardiac arrest is different from both and requires specific treatment modalities such as the use of a defibrillator.

Defibrillators deliver an electric shock to the heart in an attempt to restore the heart’s normal electrical signals. If you notice someone is in cardiac arrest, don’t hesitate to act. One of Benefits of CPR Certification is that it gives you the tools to respond confidently to sudden cardiac arrest emergencies. Read on to learn more about what cardiac arrest does to the body and what you should do to respond to cardiac arrest.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest, sometimes called sudden cardiac arrest, is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating and blood flow to the brain and other organs is cut off. Sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency and fatal if left untreated.

What happens in the event of a cardiac arrest?

Electrical signals control your heart rhythm. When these electrical signals are interrupted, the heart begins to beat irregularly. Different types of arrhythmias can occur, some of which are not dangerous. An irregular heartbeat called vestibular fibrillation is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest.

When ventricular fibrillation occurs, the heart stops pumping oxygen-rich blood around the body. It can prove fatal within minutes.

Link to heart disease

Most people at risk of sudden cardiac arrest also have coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart and can lead to a heart attack, which damages your heart’s electrical system.

What Else Causes Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs for other reasons, including the following:

• Severe blood loss or lack of oxygen.
• Vigorous exercise if you have heart problems
• Excessive potassium levels cause fatal arrhythmias.
• Genetic conditions can make you more prone to arrhythmias.
• Changes in the structure of your heart. For example, enlarged hearts or changes due to infection can interrupt the heart’s electrical signals and contribute to sudden cardiac arrest

Is Cardiac Arrest a Heart Attack?

Your heart does not normally stop during a heart attack like it does in cardiac arrest. One or more arteries become blocked during a heart attack and stop blood flow, preventing the heart from getting enough oxygen. The lack of oxygen can kill heart tissue.

However, there could be a link between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest. The scar tissue that grows from heart attacks can disrupt the heart’s natural signals, putting you at risk of cardiac arrest. Heart attacks themselves can also trigger cardiac arrest.

Is Cardiac Arrest Heart Failure?

Cardiac arrest is an instant crisis, while heart failure is a gradual condition where over time the heart weakens until it can no longer send enough blood and oxygen through your body. When your cells lack these nutrients, your body starts to deteriorate. You may find it harder to catch your breath or do simple things like carrying groceries or climbing stairs.

Who is at risk of cardiac arrest?

While there is no specific cause of cardiac arrest, there are a few known risk factors:

• People with coronary artery disease.
• Men are more likely to experience cardiac arrest.
• Past arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Family stories of arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.
• Smoking and alcohol abuse.
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart failure.
• Obesity.
• One or more heart attacks.

It is important to note that sudden intense emotions, such as For example, out-of-control anger can trigger cardiac arrhythmias that cause cardiac arrest. Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression can also make it more likely that you will have sudden cardiac arrest. If you are struggling with any of these conditions, consult a doctor to see what treatment options are available.

What to do if someone has sudden cardiac arrest?

If someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, you must treat them immediately with a defibrillator. A defibrillator is a device that delivers a shock to your heart to restore a normal heartbeat. The shock must be delivered within minutes to help. First responders like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics usually have a defibrillator and know how to use it. Many public places also have an on-site automated external defibrillator that anyone can use.

How to use an AED

You don’t need training to use an AED. The device will instruct and detect the arrhythmia so it can deliver the correct shock to the heart. If you think someone is in cardiac arrest, contact the medical authorities immediately and perform CPR until they arrive.

What to do after a cardiac arrest

After you recover from a cardiac arrest, you should see a cardiologist to check your electrical system and create a treatment plan. This will help prevent another cardiac arrest. You may also need blood tests to check your heart.

What other tests should you get?

• EKG
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac MRI
• MUGA

What is an ICD?

If you have a cardiac arrest, you may also be given an ICD, which is a small automatic defibrillator

This will implant itself under your skin and will give you an electric shock if it detects irregular heartbeats. Your doctor will recommend it if you have severe heart disease or have already suffered cardiac arrest.

How can you prevent sudden cardiac arrest?

Diet: Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and limit your unhealthy fats like saturated fats and trans fats.

Pay attention to your weight Obesity can contribute to cardiac arrest.

Dealing with stress- Learning stress relief techniques and exercising more often can reduce the risk of sudden heart rest.

Stop smoking- Smoking is a known cause of heart disease and often leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Conclusion – what happens to the body during cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical rhythm is interrupted and the heart stops pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. It can be fatal in minutes and requires the help of a defibrillator and medical attention.

But viewers can also do their part. If you are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, you can do CPR. If you are with someone else, you can instruct them to look for an AED during CPR. To perform proper CPR, consider online CPR certification. You can visit one Online CPR Certification Provider to get your CPR certification at your own pace.