Cause of cardiac arrest and how can we prevent it
Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating which stops the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such a condition immediate medical help or quick treatment with a defibrillator is required in order to save the life. Cardiac arrest is a serious heart condition where the heart ceases the beat; it is also called cardiac death. Heartbeat is controlled by electrical impulses and when these impulses change their pattern, it can be seen on an Electrocardiogram. It is a sign that there is some issue in the heart. The irregular heartbeats are also known as heart arrhythmias, some arrhythmias are slow and some are very fast. In case of cardiac arrest, the heart rhythm of the heart stops. If some is experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrest, one should seek immediate health assistance.
Symptoms and Signs of cardiac arrest
Usually, a cardiac arrest shows no prior warning. People suffering from cardiac arrest might experience
· Sudden consciousness
· Choking
· Excruciating chest pain
· Inability to breathe
· No pulse
· Sudden collapse
· Weakness
· Heart palpations
· Lightheadedness
Causes of Cardiac Arrest:
There are several underlining causes that might lead to a cardiac arrest. Usually, abnormal heart arrhythmia or heart rhythm is the main reason for cardiac arrest. When the electric impulse which is responsible for the heartbeat does not function properly, it causes irregularity in the heartbeat. The electrical system controls the heart rate and any problem in the valve or blood vessel can be seen in the impulse in an electrocardiogram. Rapid electrical impulses cause ventricles to quiver that hamper the pumping of blood. If someone feels chest pain or uneasiness in breathing, the doctor recommends an ECG to see if there is any abnormality in the heartbeat. And if the ECG is not fine then the doctor recommends a holter test or CT scan based on the requirement of the patient. Sometimes, sudden shock or trauma also can lead to cardiac arrest. Further, strenuous work and excessive workouts also cause cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is quite common in athletes and bodybuilders as they over-exert pressure on the heart that causes very fast arrhythmia that often leads to cardiac arrest. But with immediate medical care and precautions, they are able to recover.
Risk factors
Sometimes underlying disease or medical condition is also responsible for sudden cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease or congenital heart diseases are common causes of cardiac arrest. Some of the other risk factors include:
· Smoking
· Obesity
· Sedentary lifestyle
· Hypertension
· High blood cholesterol
· Sleep apnea
· Family history of heart disease
· Previous heart attack
· Chronic kidney disease
Prevention and What to do in an emergency
Prevention is better than cure; therefore, it is important to get regular health checkups. Make some in or lifestyle changes like
· Quit smoking
· Quit drinking alcohol
· Stop drug use
· Practice yoga or exercise
· Walk regularly
· Eat a well-balanced diet
· Avoid spicy and oily food
In case you find someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, you must do this.
Immediately call a doctor or ambulance the person is experiencing a cardiac arrest. Perform CPR immediately. If the person isn’t breathing properly one should immediately perform CPR. Join your hand one over the other and push hard and fast on the person’s chest at a rate of over 100 compressions per minute. Give the person rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Rubbing the feet and palms also helps. Keep doing it until a defibrillator is available or medical help has been reached.
Rukmani Birla hospital is a multi-specialty hospital that provides the world-class treatment. It is recognized as one of the best heart hospitals in Jaipur. We have the best heart doctors in Jaipur who are specialized and have the experience to provide the best healthcare. For any health-related problem or query contact RBH hospital and be assured of your health.
