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CARDIAC ARREST

 Overview

Cardiac arrest is a condition where the heart stops beating abruptly. When the heart beat stops, that means the circulation also stops, causing death of the person. Cardiac arrest is a serious heart condition which can be fatal, but the person could be saved if treatment is given on time.

Cardiac arrests are different from heart attacks. In heart attack, a part of cardiac muscles don't get enough blood supply whereas in cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating abruptly. However,a sudden cardiac arrest can be triggered by heart attack.


Causes
A person generally suffers from a cardiac arrest when the electrical balance of the heart is disturbed. This causes irregular heart beats or heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia, which is the major cause of cardiac arrest.

Our heart has 4 chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. There is a sinoatrial(SA) node present in the right atria. This SA node generates electrical signals that cause the heart to beat and pump blood in the body. When this SA nodes function is disturbed, it causes arrhythmia which ultimately leads to a cardiac arrest.

There are various reasons because of which a cardiac arrest might happen. They are mentioned as follows.

1.Coronary Heart disease
A coronary heart disease can be a cause of cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can be a result of a blocked artery.


2.Ventricular fibrillation
This is a serious condition which is the most common cause of a cardiac arrest. In this the lower ventricle of the heart quivers out of control making the heart rhythm irregular. This results in less efficient blood circulation and in some cases circulation stops completely, causing cardiac arrest.


3. Atrial fibrillation
In this the upper atrias quiver uncontrollably causing arrhythmia and a cardiac arrest.


A heart attack due to any reason damages a part of cardiac muscles to damage. Sometimes this damage leads to ventricular or atrial fibrillation causing a cardiac arrest.


5. Congenital heart disease
A person born with a congenital heart disease is always prone to cardiac arrest even after the treatment of his disease. Such hearts can develop irregular heartbeat anytime, that can cause cardiac arrest.


6. Valvular heart disease
It is a disease in which the valves of the heart stop working properly. A leaking or narrowing heart valve can cause inefficient circulation and arrhythmia, ultimately causing a cardiac arrest.


7. Enlarged Heart( cardiomyopathy)
It is a condition in which the heart muscles stretch making the heart bigger than its normal size. This causes abnormal heart muscles which is a cause of arrhythmia.


Symptoms 
Symptoms of cardiac arrest are very straightforward and easily identifiable. 
1.Sudden collapse
2. Pulse loss
3. No breathing
4. Unconsciousness
5. Chest pain


Cardiac arrests are generally sudden and don't have any warning signs. However some people might have signs that they have a heart problem. If that problem is treated on time, the risk of cardiac arrest can be reduced. Warning signs of cardiac arrest are as follows.


1.dizziness
2. lightheadedness
3. Shortness of breath
4. Heart palpitations
5. Chest discomfort
6. Fatigue


Immediate Help
If you see a person has fainted suddenly and has no breathe or pulse call for emergency medical help immediately. 


You can also perform CPR on the person to make his heart beat again. Push hard and fast on the person's chest at the rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you are trained to give CPR, then blow rescue breaths or air in his mouth after every 30 compressions. If not then continue giving compression until medical help arrives.


Risk Factor
Anyone can undergo a cardiac arrest at any time. A person who doesn't have any heart condition can also have a cardiac arrest. The risk factors for a cardiac arrest include.
1.A family history of cardiac arrest
2. Smoking
5. Obesity
6. High blood pressure
7. Previous heart attack
8. Chronic kidney disease
9. Using drugs
10. A previous cardiac arrest


Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is a very serious and fatal heart condition. If the person is not given proper help on time he might lose his life.


If you see anyone suffering from something like this call for immediate help. 

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and fit and Stay tuned for more.

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