What is Cardiac Arrest
It is defined as sudden loss of cardiac function, when the heart abruptly stops beating.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
1. Ventricular fibrillation (commonest cause).
2. Ventricular tachycardia (pulseless).
3. Asystole.
4. Electromechanical dissociation.
5. Others—
–– Myocardial rupture.
–– Cardiac tamponade.
–– Respiratory arrest (loss of breathing function).
–– Massive pulmonary embolism.
–– Tension pneumothorax.
–– Electrocution.
–– Drowning.
Clinical Features
• Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness.
• No pulse.
• No BP.
• No breathing.
Permanent brain damage and death can occur unless the flow of blood to the brain is restored
within five minutes.
Treatment of Cardiac Arrest
• A – Airway restoration.
• B – Breathing should be ensured (mouth to mouth breathing).
• C – Circulation (CPR should be started—15 compression:2 breaths).
• Precordial thump.
• Defibrillation—in ventricular fibrillation.
• Other supportive therapy—injection adrenaline, transvenous pacemaker.