Cardiac Arrest

Overview

Cardiac arrest is the sudden cessation of effective heart contraction from various causes, leading to collapse of the circulation, loss of major artery pulses, loss of consciousness, and cessation of breathing, with the ECG showing ventricular fibrillation or asystole. It is a medical emergency that causes sudden cardiac death within minutes without immediate treatment.

Symptoms

• Loss of consciousness
• Absent pulse
• Cessation of breathing
• Cyanosis
• Dilated pupils

Treatment

Immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillate as early as possible; after return of spontaneous circulation, provide targeted temperature management and treat the cause, with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for high-risk patients to prevent recurrence.

Dietary advice

During recovery, a low-salt, low-fat diet, weight and lipid control, and avoidance of smoking with limited alcohol.