Cardiac arrest, also known as asystole and sudden cardiac arrest, refers to the sudden loss of function and the stopping of the heart. The patient may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease prior to cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest may occur suddenly or follow other symptoms; patients can easily die if proper first aid measures are not taken. This article will guide you through the causes, symptoms, first aid, and treatment of cardiac arrest, with illustrations.
Cardiac Arrest Versus Heart Attack
You may be wondering: Is cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack (myocardial infarction)? Actually, they are two different conditions.A heart attack is caused by the blockage of blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply nutrients to the heart, resulting in myocardial ischemia and necrosis; thus, a heart attack can indeed cause cardiac arrest. However, the main cause of cardiac arrest is actually related to the electrical system that controls the heart’s rhythm.
