Cardiac Arrest Essay
Cardiac Arrest: Silent Killer Essay
Cardiac arrest is one of the strangest and most dangerous conditions. With this acute disease, the heart ceases to function, and as a result, stops pumping blood. This state of the body incompatible with life without emergency intervention. During a cardiac arrest, every second counts.
Cardiac Arrest: Definition
Cardiac arrest is an acute functional failure of the heart that manifests itself suddenly and unpredictably. Cardiac arrest is an event that leads to inhibition of the heart muscle associated with an electrical malfunction of the heart, as a result of which the heart stops beating or beats weakly. It is important to distinguish cardiac arrest from a heart attack. While a heart attack is a blood circulation problem, a cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction of the heart. However, both conditions may be complicated by each other. For example, cardiac arrest may be provoked by necrosis of the heart muscle that occurs during a heart attack. Cardiac arrest can be caused by several factors. The most common causes include:
Coronary artery disease;
Previous or current myocardial infarction;
Heart failure;
Cardiomyopathy;
Severe arrhythmias;
Congenital heart defects;
Heart valve problems;
Electrolyte imbalance;
Drug or alcohol overdose;
Electric shock or trauma;
Drowning;
Besides these etiological factors, a cardiac arrest may be provoked by severe poisoning, asphyxia, and lung disease. The cause of the acute condition may not be associated with the above diseases and conditions. Moreover, in some people, especially young people, a cardiac arrest may be caused by hereditary factors or individual features of the functioning of the heart.
Cardiac Arrest: Symptoms
Unfortunately, cardiac arrest is a unpredictable condition that rarely announces its arrival. However, in some cases, it is possible to identify certain symptoms that indicate an impending arrest. They include loss of responsiveness, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, absence of pulse, and sudden collapse. Moreover, after these manifestations, several symptoms characteristic of cardiac insufficiency may appear. In particular, dull pain or discomfort behind the sternum, sudden shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, fainting. Moreover, a person may feel weak or tired, and this symptom may accompany the condition for several days before the attack. These signs are particularly dangerous when they occur in patients with chronic heart disease, and they should be taken as an alarm signal by people with this diagnosis.
During an Arrest: What to Do?
During an attack, the main rule for a non-medical person is to provide emergency assistance until the ambulance arrives. First of all, it is necessary to call emergency numbers, then perform CPR procedures and, if available, use a defibrillator. It is important not to stop doing CPR until medical professionals arrive. Even a few minutes of this procedure are crucial for the patient’s survival, as they allow blood circulation and, therefore, oxygenation of the body to be maintained. Another life-saving procedure that must be performed as soon as possible after an attack is defibrillation. This method is indicated in many types of arrhythmia that often accompany cardiac arrest. It is noteworthy that defibrillation can also be performed several minutes after an attack to prevent it from being repeated.
Diagnostic Tests for Cardiac Arrest
Once the ambulance arrives, medical professionals will do their best to stabilize the patient’s condition. Moreover, while receiving emergency care at the hospital, a physician will determine the etiology of the cardiac arrest and develop a treatment plan accordingly. Mainly various diagnostic tests are prescribed to determine the cause of the attack, such as an electrocardiogram, blood tests, coronary angiography, echocardiography, a computer or magnetic resonance scan of the heart, and electrophysiological studies. Particular tests are selected depending on the causes of the attack. For example, if coronary artery disease was detected, coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is indicated. By contrast, if no pathological changes were found in the coronary arteries, radiofrequency catheter ablation is indicated. The reason for the attack, but heart failure, the appointment of medication to improve myocardial function is indicated.
Can Cardiac Arrest Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there is nothing that can stop a cardiac arrest. However, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of a recurrent attack after the first one. In other words, to prevent recurrence, the patient needs to take measures to reduce the risk factors for the development of the disease. For example, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, giving up alcohol and tobacco, and reducing stress levels can reduce the likelihood of a second attack. All of the above measures are especially important when the first attack was provoked by atherosclerosis or diabetes. Moreover, monitoring health indicators and visiting a doctor for regular check-ups can prevent many diseases, including cardiac arrest.
Furthermore, people with heart diseases that are complicated by arrhythmia or heart failure should consider implantation of a defibrillator. This device monitors the heart’s activity and is capable of defibrillating it when needed.
Every Minute Counts During an Arrest
Four to six minutes after an attack, brain cells begin to die because of the lack of oxygen. Moreover, the longer a person waits before rendering emergency assistance to the patient, the more difficult it will be to restore his health. Thus, for every minute of delay, the chances of saving the person decrease by 7-10%. That is why it is so important to know what to do in case of cardiac arrest.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is an acute and serious disease. To prevent an attack, it is important to maintain health and periodically monitor the state of the heart. The early stages of the disease can be stopped with timely and appropriate therapy. Even if the attack has started, knowledge of emergency care, especially cardiopulmonary resuscitation, will help save the person. Fortunately, the development of modern medicine makes it possible to treat this dangerous condition with minimal consequences for the body. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals emphasize that prevention is better than cure.
