Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively. This usually happens due to a problem in the heart’s electrical system, which controls the heartbeat. When the rhythm becomes severely abnormal, the heart cannot circulate blood properly.
Although the issue begins in the heart, the whole body is affected. Without steady blood flow, the brain, lungs, and other organs do not receive enough oxygen. A person may suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing normally.
Your risk increases if you have existing heart disease, a history of heart attack, irregular heart rhythms, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or if you smoke. A family history of heart problems can also raise your risk.
If a cardiac arrest occurs, immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and urgent emergency medical care are critical to improve survival. An automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used to restore a normal heart rhythm, followed by further treatment to address the underlying cause and support long-term heart health.
