Cardiac Arrest
Dr. Ramakrishna Pillai V
KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum
Cardiology,Cardiac Sciences
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. It is different from a heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. Whereas, in cardiac arrest, the heart stops functioning abruptly and the electrical function of the heart malfunctions. As a result, it does not pump the blood forward to the brain, lungs, and other organs. Without treatment, a patient may die within minutes.
The heartbeat may become irregular or stop entirely during cardiac arrest, a condition known as arrhythmia. The most common form of arrhythmia that occurs in cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation (VF). This condition needs immediate attention since the brain needs oxygenated blood to function. Under such circumstances, it cannot survive more than a few minutes without it, resulting either in permanent damage to part(s) of the brain or death. Cardiac arrest can occur at any time, but individuals with underlying pre-existing heart disorders are at risk of such incidences.
Causes of cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest has numerous causes, and knowledge of these causes is very essential in both prevention and treatment.
CAD: This is a condition where the heart's arteries get narrowed or blocked, which in most cases leads the victim to suffer a heart attack, has been found to be a very common cause of cardiac arrest.
Myocardial infarction or heart attack: When the heart muscle is severely destroyed, cardiac arrest is caused by a severe heart attack. The critical interruption of blood flow will result in arrhythmia and could eventually become cardiac arrest.
Arrhythmias: Rhythm disorders of the heart, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia are typically a direct trigger for the cause of cardiac arrest. In such disorders, the electrical system of the heart fails to work properly, including rapid and abnormal rhythms.
Cardiomyopathy: This disease involves the thickening and enlargement of the heart's muscles, which leads to obstructions in the functioning of the pumping of the heart. Cardiomyopathy predisposes to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Congenital heart disease: Individuals born with heart disease are at risk of experiencing cardiac arrest due to the structural and electrical anomalies that cause disturbance in the heart.
Electrolyte imbalance: Critical levels of important electrolytes, for example, potassium and magnesium, affect the electrical functioning of the heart, often causing arrhythmias and culminating in cardiac arrest.
Drug overdose or poisoning: Drugs such as opioids and stimulants can also cause disastrous arrhythmias that eventually result in cardiac arrest.
Extreme physical injury or gross bleeding: At times, extreme trauma or gross haemorrhage could cause the heart to stop and not pump blood within the normal rhythm, thereby causing cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest symptoms
Cardiac arrest usually arises without warning. Though often unremarkable, sometimes some symptoms may occur beforehand:
- Sudden collapse
- There is no pulse
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Palpitations
Diagnosis of cardiac arrest
The diagnosis of cardiac arrest is fundamentally clinical. Thus, it's upon physical symptoms and lack of a heartbeat with breathing. However, the following tools can confirm the diagnosis:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Coronary angiography
Treatment of cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest treatment should start immediately. For every passing minute, the chances of survival continue to dwindle. The following are important components in the management of cardiac arrest:
CPR: CPR is the first procedure and also the foremost one. Compressions on the chest are what keep the blood circulating into the brain and other parts as further medical attention is administered.
Defibrillation: Defibrillation uses an AED, for instance, to shock the heart back to normal rhythm using electricity. Early defibrillation has greatly increased the chances of survival.
ACLS: Emergency doctors can facilitate administering drugs, by intubating the patient to secure their airway and by appropriately re-initiating defibrillation when they arrive.
Post-cardiac arrest care: If circulation is restored, the patient may be placed on ICU-level care, including cooling therapy, or therapeutic hypothermia to protect the brain and any interventions he/she may require to address the cause of the event.
Related Blogs
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
Life After Liver Transplant: Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery after liver transplant varies from person to person. With appropriate medical care and follow-up, most people experience significant improvement in health and quality of life.
Liver Transplant Eligibility and Evaluation: How Doctors Decide
Not everyone with liver disease requires a transplant. Liver transplant eligibility is determined through a detailed medical evaluation designed to assess disease severity, overall health, and the likelihood of long-term benefit from transplantation.
Liver Transplant Outcomes and Long-Term Survival
Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment with improving outcomes worldwide. Advances in surgery, medication, and post-transplant care have significantly increased survival rates and quality of life.
Liver Transplant: Overview, When It Is Needed, and What to Expect
A liver transplant is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor. It is considered when the liver can no longer perform essential functions needed to sustain life. Advances in medical care have made liver transplantation a well-established and effective treatment for selected patients with advanced liver disease.
Liver Transplant: Symptoms That May Indicate Advanced Liver Disease
Liver disease can progress gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As liver function declines, symptoms may become more apparent and may signal the need for specialist evaluation.
Living Donor vs Deceased Donor Liver Transplant: Key Differences Explained
Liver transplantation can be performed using a liver from a deceased donor or a portion of liver from a living donor. Both approaches are well-established and effective. Understanding the differences helps patients choose the most appropriate option.
Preparing for Liver Transplant Surgery: Steps Before the Procedure
Preparing for liver transplant surgery involves medical, physical, and emotional readiness. Proper preparation improves surgical outcomes and recovery.
Risks and Complications of Liver Transplant: What Patients Should Understand
Liver transplant is a major surgical procedure that offers life-saving benefits for people with advanced liver disease. Like all complex medical treatments, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks helps patients and families make informed decisions and prepare for recovery.
Best Epilepsy Treatment in Kerala – Dr. Syamlal S
Epilepsy treatment in Kerala is most effective when managed by the best epilepsy specialist in Kerala, such as [Dr. Syamlal S](https://www.kimshealth.org/trivandrum/doctor/dr-syamlal-s), a leading epilepsy doctor in Kerala known for accurate diagnosis, advanced seizure treatment, and long-term neurological care. Most epilepsy cases can be successfully controlled with proper medical management.
Best Stroke Treatment in Kerala
Stroke treatment in Kerala is most effective when delivered within the golden hour by experienced neurologists like Dr. Syamlal S, who specialises in rapid diagnosis, emergency stroke management, and long-term rehabilitation. Early intervention significantly reduces disability and improves recovery outcomes.
EPILEPSY TREATMENT & SURGERY IN KERALA
If you are searching for the best epilepsy treatment in Kerala or the top epilepsy specialist in Trivandrum, KIMSHEALTH—led by experts like Dr. Syamlal S—offers world-class, comprehensive epilepsy care with outcomes comparable to leading international centres.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Kerala
KIMSHEALTH, under the expert care of Dr. Sandhya Manorenj, is among the best centres for Parkinson’s Disease treatment in Trivandrum, Kerala, and South India, offering world-class diagnosis, advanced therapies, and holistic rehabilitation tailored to each patient.
STROKE TREATMENT IN TRIVANDRUM
KIMSHEALTH offers advanced stroke treatment in Thiruvananthapuram, providing 24x7 emergency care, rapid diagnosis, and life-saving interventions.
Functional MRI (fMRI) - Advanced Brain Mapping
Functional MRI (fMRI) is an advanced and non-invasive brain imaging technique that helps doctors understand how different parts of the brain work in real time. Unlike a routine MRI that mainly shows the structure of the brain, fMRI identifies active brain areas by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen levels while a person performs simple tasks such as speaking, moving a hand, reading, or thinking.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
Related Blogs
Can Epilepsy Be Cured Permanently? Treatment Options Explained
At KIMSHEALTH, expert neurologists provide advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Thiruvananthapuram using modern technologies including Video EEG monitoring and epilepsy surgery.
Diet and Lifestyle Before and After Liver Transplant
Nutrition and lifestyle choices play an important role both before and after liver transplant. Proper care supports recovery, reduces complications, and improves long-term health.
