Sudden cardiac arrest is a sudden stop of heart function, consciousness, and breathing. The condition is an outcome from an electrical disturbance in the heart that stops its pumping action, further stopping blood flow to the body.
There is a slight difference between sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack. A heart attack could sometimes trigger an electrical disturbance leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
And one should treat sudden cardiac arrest immediately as it can lead to death. If fast and appropriate medical care is provided then survival is possible. While giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation by using a defibrillator or by just giving compression’s to the chest, it can provide the chances of survival till the emergency team arrives.
Causes
A minor problem in the heart rhythm which is an outcome of a problem with the heart’s electrical system can be the cause of sudden cardiac arrest.
The heart’s electrical system controls the rhythm of your heartbeat. And if something goes wrong, your heart tends to beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly. Often these arrhythmias are brief and harmless, but some types can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Heart conditions leading to sudden cardiac arrest
Heart Attack: If a heart attack happens as a result of severe coronary artery disease, it can also trigger sudden cardiac arrest. The heart attack can also leave scar tissue in the heart.
Coronary artery disease: In most cases sudden cardiac arrest happen in people who suffer from coronary artery disease where the arteries become clogged with cholesterol and other deposits. This in return reduces blood flow in the heart.
Congenital heart disease: In children or adolescents, when sudden cardiac arrest happens, it may be due to a heart defect that was present during birth. And adults who have had corrective surgery for a congenital heart defect are at a higher risk of having a sudden cardiac arrest.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and include
- No breathing
- Collapsing suddenly
- No Pulse
- Loss of consciousness
There are certain signs and symptoms that happen before a sudden arrest and that include
- Weakness
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort.
Prevention
- If you want to reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest, then you should get regular checkups, get screened for heart disease and also adopt a lifestyle that is heart healthy
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram(ECG)
- When an ECG is done, the sensors that detect the electrical activity of the heart are basically attached to the chest and to the limbs. An ECG report gives you the report of disturbances in the heart rhythm. It also is able to detect abnormal electrical patterns, which include prolonged QT interval, increasing your risk of sudden death.
- Blood Tests: Blood samples will be taken to check the levels of magnesium, potassium, hormones and other chemicals affecting the heart’s ability to function.
- Imaging Tests: Various imaging tests would include chest x-ray, echocardiogram, nuclear scan, and angiogram
Treatment
- Defibrillation
- CPR – It is quite important and critical to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for treating sudden cardiac arrest
- Other long term treatments for cardiac arrest include medications, surgery like coronary angioplasty, coronary bypass surgery, radiofrequency catheter ablation or corrective heart surgery.
Why Ravi Hospital?
Ravi hospital has some of the best experienced and skilled cardiologists to perform heart surgeries with latest and less invasive techniques for best treatment outcomes. Our patient-centric approach, with safety and comfort to the patients make us one of the most reliable hospitals for heart-related problems.
