Cardiac Arrest

(Cardiopulmonary Arrest)

by Debra Wood, RN

Definition

Cardiac arrest means that the heart suddenly stops beating. It is caused by a problem with the heart's electrical system. Emergency medical care needs to be provided right away. If it is not, the person can quickly die since blood is not being pumped throughout the body.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.

Electrical System of the Heart

Causes

Cardiac arrest may be caused by:

A rapid, irregular heart rhythm preventing any circulation of blood (most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest)—ventricular fibrillation
A rapid, but regular heart rhythm that, if sustained, may turn into ventricular fibrillation—ventricular tachycardia
Dramatic slowing of heart rate due to failure of its pacemaker or severe heart block (interference with electrical conduction)
Respiratory arrest
Choking or drowning
Electrocution
Hypothermia
Sudden loss of blood pressure
Complications from eating disorders
Unknown causes

Risk Factors

Things that may increase the risk of cardiac arrest include:

Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Cardiomyopathy
Enlarged heart
Congenital heart disease
Heart valves that do not function properly
Conditions affecting the heart's electrical system
Severe metabolic imbalances
Adverse drug effects such as from drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms
Lung conditions
Trauma to the chest
Extensive blood loss
Having an eating disorder
Excessive overexertion in people with heart disorders
Illicit drugs such as cocaine use

Symptoms

Cardiac arrest can cause:

Loss of consciousness
No breathing
No pulse

Before cardiac arrest, some people have:

Having chest pain
Feeling weak
Having a pounding sensation in the chest
Feeling faint

Some of these symptoms may happen for weeks before the attack.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on the event and ECG that may be taken during treatment. An ECG shows the electrical activity of the heart.

Treatment

Prompt treatment improves the chance of survival. The 4 steps in the cardiac chain of survival are:

Call for Emergency Medical Services

Call for emergency medical services right away.

Defibrillation

Defibrillation sends an electrical shock through the chest. The surge of electricity may help to put the heart into a better rhythm. AEDs are available in many public places. They will instruct users how to use it as soon as they are turned on. If an AED is available, it should be attached as soon as possible.

Start CPR

CPR helps keep blood and oxygen flowing to the heart and brain until other treatment can be given. The heart and brain are easily injured with low oxygen levels. CPR should be given until an AED is brought to the person or emergency help arrives.

Advanced Medical Care

The emergency team and doctors at the hospital will work to restore bloodflow, restart the heart, and decrease risk of more complications. It may include medicine, inserting a tube to open airway, and oxygen.

The body temperature may also be lowered. A lower body temperature may slow or prevent injury to the brain. The body temperature may be kept lower for 12 to 24 hours while the body recovers.

Prevention

Not all cardiac arrest can be prevented. Seek help right away if you have signs of heart attack or signs above. Follow care plan for any heart condition. Let the medical team know if you are having trouble following the plan.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association
http://www.suddencardiacarrest.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

References:

About cardiac arrest. American Heart Association website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 13, 2019.

Cardiac arrest in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.... Accessed September 13, 2019.

Explore sudden cardiac arrest. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/scda. Accessed September 13, 2019.

Sudden cardiac arrest. Heart Rhythm Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 13, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated: 8/14/2020

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