Cardiac arrest is a sudden and life-threatening event where the heart unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a cessation of blood flow to vital organs. This medical emergency requires immediate intervention to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and increase the chances of survival. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the heart, cardiac arrest results from a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, leading to an abrupt loss of cardiac function.
The symptoms of cardiac arrest are immediate and dramatic, often including a sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and the absence of a detectable pulse. Prompt action is crucial, and bystanders can play a vital role by initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to maintain blood circulation until professional medical help arrives. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are also valuable tools in the early stages of cardiac arrest, delivering electric shocks to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. Prevention strategies involve addressing underlying heart conditions, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, and promoting widespread awareness of CPR and AED use to empower communities to respond swiftly to cardiac emergencies.
