Cardiac arrest refers to a sudden, unexpected loss of hearing function. Although it can be lethal, getting treatment as soon as possible can improve your prognosis.
Cardiac arrest refers to a sudden, unexpected loss of hearing function. Although it can be lethal, getting treatment as soon as possible can improve your prognosis. Electrical impulses regulate the rhythm of the heartbeat. The heartbeat becomes irregular when the pattern of these impulses changes – also known as arrhythmia – whose intensity and severity might vary. In severe cases, arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest- a medical condition that might result in disability or death. As soon as you see any signs of cardiac arrest in yourself or someone you’re with, get emergency medical attention.
However, it must be noted that a heart attack is not the same as sudden cardiac arrest. When blood supply to a portion of the heart is restricted, a heart attack occurs, and cardiac arrest does not happen due to blockage. On the other hand, a heart attack may result in a shift in the electrical activity of the heart that triggers rapid cardiac arrest. The symptoms of cardiac arrest might range from no pulse to palpitations, no breathing, loss of consciousness, etc.
But it must also be noted that cardiac arrest sometimes shows no symptoms. So, seeing a doctor in case of minor discomfort is also advisable.
What are the Treatment Options for Cardiac Arrest?
It is essential to seek medical attention if you have any abnormal cardiacsymptoms. To start an effective treatment process, doctors will perform specific tests, such as an electrocardiogram, to identify abnormalities in the patient’s heart rhythm. Here are some tests that can help people with cardiac arrest:
- Blood tests– These tests can look for signs of a heart attack and measure the magnesium and potassium levels in the blood.
- Chest X-ray– They look for other signs of diseases in the heart. Also, it shows the shape and size of the heart and if a patient has a heart failure.
- Nuclear Scan– This test is done with a stress test, which helps see problems related to blood flow. Healthcare providers inject a tiny amount of radioactive material, called a tracer, through an IV, which is tracked by a special camera and sees the inside of the person (heart and lungs).
- Cardiac Catheterization– This test helps healthcare providers see blockages in the heart arteries using a long, thin, and flexible tube inserted in a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin. A small amount of dye is injected, which helps the arteries show up more clearly on X-ray images and videos.
- Echocardiogram– This test shows how blood flows through the heart and the heart valves as the sound waves create images of the heart in motion.
Several other tests may be done, which will be prescribed only if required, depending on your symptoms. Thecardiologydoctor will evaluate the diagnostic reports and create a treatment plan.
Generally, immediate treatment is required in cases of cardiac arrests, which is often provided even before any diagnostic tests. First line of treatment includesCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Defibrillation,which involves resetting the heart rhythm.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, where the heartbeat has stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is immediately performed. It involves hard and quick chest compressions. This immediate CPR recommendation is for both first responders and untrained observers. It’s important to provide CPR immediately if someone suffers a cardiac arrest, even if you aren’t sure how to do it.
Defibrillation:Defibrillation involves applying an electrical shock across the chest using either adhesive pads or a pair of manual paddles placed on the patient’s chest. In order to effectively defibrillate, defibrillators usually use a biphasic waveform, which requires a lower energy level.
Here are some other treatment plans for cardiac arrest and related cardiac issues:
Medicines– The heart rhythm can be restored with anti-arrhythmic medications. Additional medications that may be used to treat or reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death include –
- Beta-blockers.
- Inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
- Blockers of calcium channels.
Surgeries– Surgeries might be necessary to open a blockage, treat heart rhythm problems, or place a device to ensure the heart functions properly. Here are some surgical processes involved –
- An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), similar to a pacemaker, is placed near the collarbone and continuously monitors the heart rhythm. If the device detects an abnormal heartbeat, it sends a shock to reset the heart rhythm.
- Coronary Angioplasty, or percutaneous coronary intervention, opens blocked or clogged heart arteries. It can be done during coronary catheterization when the doctors find narrowed arteries.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, also known as CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting), creates a new pathway for blood to flow around a blocked artery to the heart, which helps restore the blood flow to the heart.
- Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation is done to block a faulty pathway that might cause irregular heartbeats. One of the more flexible tubes, also known as a catheter, is threaded through the blood vessels to inside the heart, creating small scars in the heart and blocking irregular heart signals.
- Corrective Heart Surgery is a treatment to correct congenital heart valve disease or heart muscle disease.
In addition to this treatment, doctors might also prescribe lifestyle changes, such as:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce the consumption of alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet such as – omega-rich food (salmon), whole-grain food (brown rice), low fat dairy (feta), etc.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition marked by sudden loss of heart function. Symptoms include sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, and absence of pulse or breathing. Immediate treatment with CPR and defibrillation is critical for survival. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical examination, and various tests such as ECG and blood tests.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can lower the risk. However, it’s paramount to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Early detection and management significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare in mitigating cardiac arrest risks.
