Cardiac arrest is increasingly common and is often mistaken for a heart attack. In cardiac arrest, the heart stops working, slowing or preventing blood flow to the rest of the body. When the heart stops working, the lack of oxygen-rich blood can cause damage to the brain. Death or permanent brain damage can result if not treated immediately. Cardiac arrest can occur for several reasons, such as heart disease.
What can cause cardiac arrest?
1. Heart disease
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. While this is not yet a cardiac arrest, a heart attack can trigger cardiac disturbances that can lead to more severe symptoms than chest pain, dizziness, or cardiac arrest, which must not be ignored and should be sought immediate medical attention.
2. Arrhythmia
An irregular heart rhythm can cause the heartbeat to speed up or slow down, when the heart may not be able to send enough blood to all parts of the body. Sometimes an irregular heartbeat can be life-threatening and lead to cardiac arrest. Doctors often perform stress tests or echocardiograms on people with irregular heartbeats to find the cause. In most cases, medication can keep the condition under control.
3. Scar of the heart tissue
Hearts scarred or enlarged from previous heart attacks are prone to developing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias that lead to cardiac arrest. The first six months after a heart attack is a high-risk period for cardiac arrest, especially in patients with atherosclerotic heart disease, which can be treated with medication or angioplasty.
4. Heat stroke
When heatstroke occurs, the body loses fluid and electrolytes at an alarming rate. Massive fluid loss can lead to hypovolemia and dangerously low blood pressure. Electrolyte imbalances in the body can lead to abnormal heart function, which can lead to cardiac arrest. In hot weather, staying hydrated, minimizing sun exposure, and doing little strenuous exercise can all help avoid heatstroke.
5. Drugs for heart disease
Taking medicines for heart disease carries the risk of arrhythmias and marked changes in the levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood. Heart medications contain diuretics, which are primarily used to remove toxins from the blood, but sometimes also remove important nutrients, such as potassium and magnesium. Doctors often warn patients about the side effects of these drugs to make sure they have more potassium and magnesium in their diet.
6. Difficulty breathing
A person in cardiac arrest may wheeze or be unable to breathe, and people in such distress should have their airway checked to make sure there are no obstructions blocking the airway.
How can cardiac arrest be prevented?
1. Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure has no obvious symptoms, but it can also be fatal. High blood pressure increases the burden on the heart, and if left untreated, high blood pressure can cause permanent damage to the circulatory system, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest. One way to lower your blood pressure is to reduce your salt intake. If you have chronic high blood pressure, medication may be an option to lower your blood pressure.
2. Lower cholesterol
When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, cholesterol can stick to the walls of arteries, causing plaque. Arteries narrow from the buildup and can’t supply the heart with the oxygen it needs, which can lead to heart disease. Cholesterol levels can often be lowered through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, but for some people, high cholesterol levels are hereditary.
3. Regular inspection
You can reduce your risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest if you participate in regular checkups, including monitoring your blood pressure and getting blood tests. For people who have had a heart attack or other types of heart disease, sticking to their medication, choosing a healthy diet, and exercising can all help reduce the risk of cardiac arrest.
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