Sudden Cardiac Arrest, What Can Be Done?

Cardiac arrest is known as sudden cardiac arrest is a condition where a person's heart stops beating and does not work suddenly. This happens because of damage to the heart's electrical system so that the heart cannot pump blood throughout the body. Cardiac arrest requires fast and precise treatment because it can cause brain organ damage and death. Cardiac arrest victims can still be saved when they get first aid immediately. Find out the steps for first aid for cardiac arrest in the following article...

Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The cause of sudden cardiac arrest is a disturbance in the heart's electrical system. When the ventricles or chambers of the heart that pump blood throughout the body are uncontrolled in their vibrations, the heart rhythm changes drastically and beats abnormally. This abnormal heart rhythm can trigger a sudden cardiac attack. In addition, there are several factors that can trigger sudden cardiac arrest, namely:

1. Having a history of heart problems, such as cardiomyopathy, coronary heart disease, and so on.
2. Obesity.
3. Sleep apnea.
4. High blood pressure (hypertension).
5. Unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, lack of exercise, consuming fatty foods, etc.
6. Unbalanced levels of potassium and magnesium in the blood.

Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

The common symptoms are that the patient experiences sudden loss of consciousness or fainting. In addition, there are other symptoms that can precede sudden cardiac arrest, including:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness and dizziness
• Abnormal heart beats

Handling Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Reported from the American Heart Association, here are some first aid steps for cardiac arrest patients that can be done.

1. Ensure the victim's surroundings are safe
2. Check the victim's response
3. Ask other people at the scene to call the emergency services number and bring an AED (automatic external defibrillator/automatic pacemaker) which is useful for giving electric shocks to the victim if available.
4. Check whether the victim is breathing or not, or is only breathing short. If this condition occurs, immediately perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation/cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with compression techniques.
5. Perform CPR by pressing the middle of the chest down about 2 inches quickly with a count of 100 to 120 times for one minute. Let the chest return to its normal position after each pressure is given
6. Use the AED by turning it on and following the instructions provided
7. Continue performing CPR until the victim starts breathing or moving, or until medical personnel take over the situation By performing first aid steps on the cardiac arrest victim, the chances of survival will be greater.

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention

Like other heart problems, the risk of cardiac arrest can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:

• Performing regular health check-ups, especially heart disease screening.
• Exercising regularly to improve heart health and prevent obesity or hypertension.
• Consuming healthy, balanced nutritious foods.
• Limiting intake of alcoholic beverages and foods high in saturated fat.
• If you smoke, it is important to stop the habit immediately.

When to See a Doctor?

Immediately check your health condition if you or someone close to you feels a number of heart symptoms. Especially if these symptoms are often felt or do not improve. You can prevent sudden cardiac arrest by having regular heart check-ups at RSU Hermina Pandanaran.

 

Created by: dr. Dian Ratnasari

Reviewed by: dr. Desy Ayu, Sp.JP

 

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/cardiac-arrest

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634