Understanding Cardiac Arrest: Insights from a Heart Expert at Mayo Clinic – Orange County Register

Written by Deb Balzer for Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)

Cardiac arrest, also known as sudden cardiac arrest, is a medical emergency that occurs when an electrical disturbance rapidly and unexpectedly halts the functioning of the heart. Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest seems to happen without any warning.

Dr. Christopher DeSimone, a renowned Mayo cardiac electrophysiologist specializing in abnormal cardiac rhythm, provides insights into cardiac arrest, its differences from a heart attack, and why immediate care is crucial.

QUESTION: What causes cardiac arrest?

During cardiac arrest, the heart is unable to pump blood, particularly oxygenated blood, to vital areas of the body, such as the brain. There are two main scenarios that lead to cardiac arrest. Firstly, the heart may stop working electrically, causing cessation of pumping. Secondly, the heart may enter an abnormal and life-threatening rhythm known as ventricular fibrillation. This chaotic rhythm disrupts the heart’s pumping function, ultimately resulting in cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death. In both cases, the heart fails to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to crucial organs like the heart and brain.

QUESTION: Why is immediate care, such as CPR and AED, vital?

Prompt and appropriate medical intervention increases the chances of survival. It is important to call 911, if possible, as a first step.

After identifying or suspecting cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore the heart’s normal rhythm as quickly as possible.

Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, from malls to schools and workplaces. If someone loses consciousness, it is essential to assess their breathing, pulse, and heart function. If the heart is not functioning, immediate CPR should be administered.

Many public spaces are equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which deliver controlled electric shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.

If the AED recognizes ventricular fibrillation, the recommended action is to administer a shock to facilitate the heart’s electrical restart and regain its normal pumping function.

QUESTION: Why is time critical when dealing with cardiac arrest?

Time plays a crucial role because during cardiac arrest, the heart fails to pump blood to vital organs, including the brain and lungs. This leads to a lack of oxygen reaching the tissues, unlike when the heart functions normally. Time is comparable to heart muscle and myocardium. During a heart attack, the entire body suffers as the brain, liver, kidneys, and heart itself are deprived of oxygenated blood, endangering their survival. Swift intervention is essential to prevent permanent damage or organ failure.

QUESTION: What is the typical treatment for a person experiencing cardiac arrest?

The primary goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm through measures such as CPR, medication administration, and advanced cardiac life support. One of the interventions involves intubating the patient and inducing sedation, allowing mechanical ventilation to support breathing. In some cases, cooling techniques may be employed to preserve tissue function and minimize energy expenditure, facilitating patient stabilization.

QUESTION: How does cardiac arrest differ from a heart attack?

While a heart attack is primarily a plumbing problem caused by a clot obstructing major arteries supplying the heart, cardiac arrest is a broader condition. A heart attack can lead to a cardiac arrest if the blocked artery causes an electrical disturbance. However, sudden cardiac arrest can occur independently of heart blockages.

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