Cardiac Arrest Explained: Symptoms and Immediate Response
Cardiac arrest refers to a sudden malfunction in the heart's electrical system, most commonly caused by ventricular fibrillation, which disrupts the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. In some cases, it may result from sinus arrest, where the heart's natural pacemaker fails to send electrical signals. This condition is often confirmed when an electrocardiogram (ECG) shows a flat line, indicating no electrical activity in the heart.
Recognizing the Signs of Cardiac Arrest
Understanding the key symptoms of cardiac arrest can help in identifying the condition quickly and initiating life-saving measures:
1. Loss of Consciousness
One of the first signs is an abrupt loss of consciousness. A person may suddenly collapse. If you shout near their ear or shake their shoulders, there will be no response, indicating they are unresponsive.
2. Abnormal or Absent Breathing
The person may exhibit agonal breathing, which resembles gasping or labored sighing breaths. Alternatively, they may stop breathing entirely.
3. Absence of Pulse
In a cardiac arrest, major arteries like the carotid (neck) or femoral (groin) will show no pulse. However, for non-medical individuals, checking for a pulse can be challenging and time-consuming.
Immediate Response for Cardiac Arrest
For bystanders, current guidelines recommend that if someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, they should assume cardiac arrest has occurred and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
CPR Protocol: The CAB Approach
The standard CPR method follows the CAB sequence: Compressions, Airway, and Breathing.
- Compressions: Begin with 30 chest compressions at a rate of about 100 to 120 per minute, pressing firmly in the center of the chest.
- Airway: Ensure the person's airway is open by tilting their head back and lifting the chin.
- Breathing: Give two rescue breaths, making sure the chest rises with each breath.
This cycle should be repeated continuously until emergency medical services arrive or an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available. Prompt action significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery.