Cardiac Arrest

Overview

Cardiac arrest describes the abrupt and complete loss of cardiac output commonly due to electrical malfunction of the heart which leads to the cessation of its pumping mechanism. It is clinically diagnosed based on being unconscious and pulseless. If sudden cardiac arrest is not treated immediately the mortality increases. With prompt and appropriate medical care, survival is possible.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest discomfort, Shortness of breath, Weakness, Palpitations, Sudden collapse, No pulse, No breathing, Loss of consciousness

Common Causes

Coronary heart disease: myocardial ischaemic, acute myocardial infarction, Structural heart disease: aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, Electrical problems in the heart: long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Risk Factors

Family history of coronary artery disease, Smoking, High blood pressure, High blood cholesterol, Obesity, Diabetes, Sedentary lifestyle, Previous episode of cardiac arrest, Previous heart attack, Obstructive sleep apnea, Chronic kidney disease

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Serum potassium and magnesium, ECG, Chest X-ray, Echocardiogram, Coronary catheterisation

Treatment and Prevention

Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Defibrillation, Treat the underlying cause, Long term: medications, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, coronary angioplasty, coronary bypass surgery, radiofrequency catheter ablation, corrective heart surgery

Psychological Issues

Depression, Stress, Anxiety