Cardiac Arrest

Sudden stopping of the heartbeat; occurs when there is a problem with the heart's electrical system, which drives the heartbeat. Loss of pulse, loss of consciousness, and death can occur. A faulty heart rhythm (arrhythmia) means that the heart is not pumping effectively, so the brain and the rest of the body are not getting enough blood. The main factors that can disrupt the heartbeat and cause sudden cardiac arrest include:

• coronary artery disease
• congestive heart failure (someone with an already damaged heart is six to nine times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest)
• a history of heart attack
• a previous episode of cardiac arrest
• a family history of cardiac arrest, ventricular tachycardia
• a problem with the heart muscle caused by a virus or an inborn abnormality
• electrocution
• drowning
• severe trauma

Cardiac arrest is the type of situation when the patient can often be saved through use of a defibrillator.