Cardiac arrest is a sudden and complete loss of heart function, causing blood flow to stop. This leads to a lack of oxygen delivery to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs, which can result in death if not treated immediately.
CAUSES :
1. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms like ventricular fibrillation.
2. Heart diseases: Coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy.
3. External factors: Electric shock, trauma, drug overdose, or lack of oxygen.
TREATMENT:.
1. Immediate Recognition: Identify the signs of cardiac arrest (no pulse, no breathing, unconsciousness).
2. Call for Help: Dial emergency services and request an AED.
3. Perform CPR: Start chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute and provide rescue breaths if trained.
4. Use an AED: Attach the AED, follow its instructions, and deliver a shock if advised.
5. Advanced Care: Once medical professionals arrive, they may administer drugs (e.g., epinephrine), perform airway management, or use advanced life support techniques to stabilize the patient.
Recent News:
1. Survival Rates for Cardiac Arrest: A study presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions found that survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are still lower than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
2. Genetic Mutation and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Canadian scientists discovered a genetic mutation that can cause the lower chambers of the heart to beat too quickly, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
3. Death of Park Min Jae: Korean actor Park Min Jae tragically passed away from cardiac arrest at the age of 32 while traveling in China.
4. Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young People: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends regular well-child visits and sports physicals to identify risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. It also advises having automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available near athletic facilities in schools.
5. Effect of CPR on Survival: A study found that if CPR is administered within a minute of cardiac arrest, the chance of survival increases to 22%.
6. Schizophrenia and Heart Attack Risk: People with schizophrenia have a four times higher risk of death from sudden heart attack.
JYOTI