Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is a potentially fatal condition that requires emergency medical care. Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center is accredited as a Level II emergency cardiac care center by the Georgia Department of Public Health. We provide rapid treatment that saves lives and reduces long-term disability.

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when your heart abruptly stops beating. Electrical signals control the heart’s rate and rhythm. In cardiac arrest, faulty electrical signals cause the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) to suddenly beat rapidly and chaotically. When this happens, the heart stops pumping blood.

Without continuous blood flow to your body and brain, you lose consciousness and can die. Immediate emergency treatment can restore heart activity and limit tissue damage.

Is a cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?

Cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. A heart attack is caused by a blockage in one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart. The lack of blood flow damages muscle tissue in the heart. This damage can lead to problems with the heart’s electrical system and cardiac arrest.

Causes of cardiac arrest

A common cause of cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), especially in the ventricles. Ventricular fibrillation, or Vfib, is the most common arrhythmia to cause cardiac arrest. Other heart conditions that can cause cardiac arrest include:

• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Long QT syndrome
• Structural heart problems present at birth

Other causes include electrolyte imbalance, lack of oxygen and blood loss.

Cardiac arrest symptoms & diagnosis

The first sign of cardiac arrest is usually unconsciousness. Some people may have symptoms before they faint, such as:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• Shortness of breath

A quick evaluation of a person’s pulse and breathing indicates cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of cardiac arrest include:

• Coronary heart disease
• Diabetes
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Family history of heart disease or cardiac arrest
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Male sex
• Older age
• Smoking

Cardiac arrest prevention

Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of heart problems and cardiac arrest.

Healthy habits include:

• Eating a nutritious diet
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress
• Quitting smoking

If you have a condition that increases your risk of cardiac arrest, follow your doctor’s advice. Taking medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can improve your health and prevent cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest treatment

Cardiac arrest requires immediate treatment with an automated external defibrillator. This device sends an electric shock to the heart to restore its normal rhythm. The faster a person receives defibrillation, the better the chance of survival.

Following successful treatment, doctors monitor patients closely and work to find out what caused the cardiac arrest. You may need medications or a procedure to treat the underlying cause. Your doctor may also recommend an implantable device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, to detect and correct abnormal arrhythmias.

Recovery depends on what caused the cardiac arrest and how long the heart stopped. Some people are left with lasting disabilities. Recovery may include ongoing care and cardiac rehabilitation. Emotional support is also important to help you and your family cope.

Related conditions

Coronary heart disease

Heart attack

Heart failure

Heart valve disease

High blood pressure

Type 2 diabetes