Sudden cardiac arrest

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest (pronunciation: SUH-den KAR-dee-ak a-REST) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. This usually results from an electrical disturbance in your heart that disrupts its pumping action, stopping blood flow to the rest of your body.

Etymology

The term "sudden cardiac arrest" is derived from the Latin words "subitus" (sudden), "cardia" (heart), and "arrestare" (to stop).

Definition

Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack (Myocardial infarction), but can occur during a heart attack. Heart attacks are caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to the heart, sudden cardiac arrest happens when the electrical system to the heart malfunctions.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest are immediate and drastic and may include:

• No pulse
• No breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Sudden collapse

Causes

The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is Coronary artery disease. Other potential causes can include:

• Electrolyte imbalance
• Significant changes in body temperature
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Valvular heart disease

Treatment

Immediate treatment for sudden cardiac arrest includes Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. Long-term treatments aim to reduce the risk of future cardiac arrest and may include medications, implantable devices, and lifestyle changes.

Related Terms

• Arrhythmia
• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Cardiac dysrhythmia
• Defibrillator

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sudden cardiac arrest
• Wikipedia's article - Sudden cardiac arrest

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