Cardiac Arrest

Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest are drastic and immediate. These may include: 

1. udden shortness of breath
2. Vomit
3. Fatigue or weakness
4. Heart palpitation
5. Sudden collapse

The person may need immediate emergency care with the following cardiac arrest symptoms are present:

1. No pulse
2. Chest pain
3. Not breathing or making gasping sounds
4. Unresponsive to touch or sound

The cause of cardiac arrest is sudden and is usually due to irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). This is because the heart’s electric impulses don't work correctly, which results in abnormal heartbeats. The most common abnormal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is the rapid or erratic electrical impulses in the heart's lower chamber, also known as ventricle fibrillation. Some heart conditions that could be a reason for cardiac arrest are as follows: 

1. Coronary Artery Disease: CAD (coronary artery disease) is caused when the blood vessels, which supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart, are blocked or damaged. It is also one of the major causes of cardiac arrest. 
   
2. Valvular Heart Disease: Narrowing of heart valves can thicken the heart muscle, which in return may cause cardiac arrest.
   
3. Cardiomyopathy:  People with abnormally large hearts are at higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest. 
   
4. Congenital Heart Disease:  Congenital abnormalities of the heart can also be one of the reasons for suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. 
   
5. Electrical Abnormalities: Researchers have found out that problems with the heart's electrical system can be the reason for cardiac arrest. 

After immediate medical care, the doctor may perform a series of tests and diagnoses to determine the root cause of cardiac arrest. These may include: 

1. Chest X-ray: The test allows the doctor to check the size and shape of the heart and blood vessels. 
2. Nuclear Stress Test: The test is performed with a stress test. During the procedure, the doctor injected radioactive material into the bloodstream. The doctor then uses a special camera to detect the material moving through the heart and lungs. 
3. Coronary Angiography: The test is done using X-ray imaging to check the heart's blood vessels. The doctor injects a dye into the arteries using a catheter and reviews the results on an X-ray screen during the test. 
4. Blood Tests: The tests are performed to check for enzymes or any heart attack. The tests also check for fats, lipid profile, cholesterol levels, minerals, and chemicals present in the body. 
5. Electrocardiogram (ECG):  The test is performed to check for the speed and rhythm of the heart using an electric current. 
6. Echocardiogram:  The test is performed to check for the damaged part of the heart. During the process, the doctor uses sound waves to capture an image of the heart. 
7. Intracardiac electrophysiology study (EPS): The test checks for the heart's electrical signal functions. The EPS test is used to check for irregular heartbeats. 
8. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):  The test is performed to get a 3D image of the heart.
9. Cardiac Catheterization: The test is performed to check if the arteries are blocked or narrowed. 

A cardiac arrest requires immediate medical care to restart the heart and restore the regular rhythm. The cardiac arrest treatment may include: 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Giving CPR is one of the crucial treatments to survive a cardiac arrest. CPR can provide a vital link until emergency services arrive. The treatment uses fast chest compressions to mimic the heart's pumping action. It helps move small amounts of blood from the heart to the brain. 

Defibrillator

The treatment is advanced care for cardiac arrest. The automatic defibrillator uses electric shock to restart the heart and allows it to beat again. 

Once the patient survives the cardiac arrest, the doctor will discuss various tests to determine the cause. The doctor may also suggest the following treatment to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in the future: 

Medications

Doctors will prescribe various anti-arrhythmic drugs for complications related to arrhythmia. The doctor may also prescribe beta-blockers, blood thinners, nitrates, and more to prevent future cardiac arrest. 

Coronary Angioplasty

The doctor inserts a tiny balloon into the blocked or narrowed artery using a catheter during the procedure. The balloon is then inflated, and the surgeon adds a mesh-like tube made of metal (commonly known as a stent) into the artery and places it there permanently. 

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)

This is a portable device that monitors the heart rhythm. The surgeon places the ICD near the left collarbone and connects the wires through the veins to the heart. The device monitors the electrical signals. If it detects a rhythm change, it sends low or high energy shocks to reset the heart to a normal rhythm. 

Coronary Bypass Surgery

In this surgery, the doctor pulls out a healthy blood vessel from the body, generally from the leg, chest, or arm. The doctor then sews the veins or arteries beyond the narrowed artery to create a new passage for the blood flow to the heart.

Some of the factors also increase the risk of cardiac arrest, including:

1. Diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Stress
4. Smoking
5. Inactive lifestyle
6. A previous heart attack
7. Obstructive sleep apnea
8. Male gender
9. Substance abuse
10. High blood pressure
11. Older age
12. High blood cholesterol
13. Lack of exercise
14. Family history of heart disease

There are some ways through which one can prevent cardiac arrest, including: 

1. Quit Smoking
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Lose weight 
4. Reduce stress level
5. Limit alcohol consumption
6. Increase physical activity 
7. Monitor heart conditions

Cardiac arrest may cause some severe complications, including: 

1. Heart problems
2. Brain injury
3. Infection
4. Lung conditions

Most people are not able to survive cardiac arrest. However, immediate treatment may increase the chance of survival. The long-term outlook for cardiac arrest depends on the reason behind it. Therefore, one needs to work closely with the medical team to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in future. 

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