A cardiac arrest definition is similar to that of sudden cardiac deaths. However, cardiac arrest can be defined as the abrupt cessation or termination of the normal circulation of blood because of the heart failure. This happens because the heart fails to contract effectively during the systole. Cardiac arrest can also be termed as circulatory arrest or cardiopulmonary arrest. It is important to know that a cardiac arrest is different and severe than a heart attack, but at times heart attack or myocardial infraction can cause cardiac arrest.
It has been seen that in adults ischemic heart disease plays an important part in causing cardiac arrest. If an autopsy is done, 30% of the patient would show signs of myocardial infraction. Some of the other causes of cardiac arrest are arrhythmias, structural abnormalities and cardiomyopathies. There are some non cardiac causes too that includes trauma, cancer, infections and overdoses.
Cardiac arrest cause death, hence one must know the exact symptoms of this danger if it is not attended immediately. Just before a cardiac arrest the patient may show some signs or symptoms that will help others to identify the arrest. These cardiac arrest symptoms are:
• Feeling Sick
• Feeling dizzy
• Finding it difficult to breathe normally
• Getting chest pain
A cardiac arrest prevents or blocks blood circulation preventing the delivery of oxygen in all parts of the body and especially brain. This lack of oxygen in brain or as it is called cerebral hypoxia causes the patient to lose his consciousness and he finds it extremely difficult to breathe normally, although he may continue with agonal breathing. Thanks to the researchers of modern medical science, cardiac arrest treatment now is able to help the patient regain his normal breathing and lead a normal life. However, it has to be remembered that if a patient remains untreated for more than five minutes, his brain is likely to be affected severely. But now a new treatment called induced hypothermia can extend this time and prevent brain damage. Nevertheless immediate action must be taken in order to save the patient and recover his neurological health.
Cardiac arrest should always be dealt with emergency. If the patient gets immediate treatment his condition can reverse to normal but an unexpected cardiac arrest can also lead to death. Hence it is called sudden cardiac death. Sudden cardiac arrest causes are numerous and it is also synonymous to clinical death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the first aid treatment for any cardiac arrest patient. This treatment provides temporary circulatory support until a proper medical treatment is available. The circulatory support may vary depending on the rhythm of the heart. It may also require defibrillation.
When a patient gets a cardiac arrest he can fall down on the ground if he is standing. This fall can be as fatal. But an immediate support can ensure that no more damage is done to him. However, a cardiac arrest definition can give us an idea about the severity of this problem which will lead us to know the proper way to deal with it.