Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Picture this: Your loved one is out for a walk, feeling the wind in their hair, when suddenly their heart decides to throw a curveball. It’s like a scene from a suspense movie, but unfortunately, this time it’s for real. Sudden cardiac arrest is no joke and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
On Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month, we want to shed light on this important topic and empower you with some basic information. From recognizing the warning signs to learning what steps we can all take to help increase the chances of survival in case of an emergency.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency condition that requires immediate attention and action. It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing the heart to stop beating effectively.
Here are some common symptoms of cardiac arrest:
Sudden Loss of Responsiveness: The person may suddenly collapse and become unresponsive. They won’t respond to verbal cues or physical stimuli.
Abnormal or No Breathing: In most cases of SCA, the person stops breathing or exhibits gasping, irregular, or agonal breathing, which is not normal breathing.
No Pulse: When you check for a pulse at the carotid artery (neck) or the radial artery (wrist), you won’t find one. There may be no detectable pulse in the person’s major arteries.
Sometimes other symptoms could occur before sudden cardiac arrest. These might include:
Chest discomfort or heartburn like sensations
Fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart called palpitations
Shortness of breath
Weakness
It’s important to note that in many cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms before cardiac arrest occurs. This is why immediate action is crucial when someone suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive.
If you encounter someone who exhibits these symptoms, it’s essential to take swift action:
Call 911: Immediately call for professional medical assistance. The sooner help arrives, the better the chances of survival.
Start CPR: An individual trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), should begin chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Use of AED (if available): An individual trained in using an automated external defibrillator (AED) should use the AED. AEDs can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed to restore a normal heartbeat.
Remember that every second counts during a cardiac arrest. Quick and effective action can significantly improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Emergency dispatchers usually provide some guidance on what can be done over the phone until professional help arrives.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The author and the website owner do not assume any responsibility for any reliance on the information provided herein
