Common Causes Of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's ability to pump blood suddenly stops, leading to a loss of consciousness and, if untreated, can be life-threatening. It is commonly associated with conditions such as ventricular fibrillation, pulseless ventricular tachycardia, or asystole. Below are the most frequent causes of cardiac arrest encountered in clinical settings.

Underlying Heart Conditions

Heart diseases, particularly coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathy, are major contributors to sudden cardiac arrest. These conditions can disrupt the heart's normal electrical activity, especially during episodes of acute illness or electrolyte imbalances. Surprisingly, even individuals without diagnosed heart disease can experience cardiac arrest under certain conditions.

Advanced Heart Failure

In the final stages of heart disease, patients often suffer from enlarged hearts and weakened cardiac function. Even when symptoms appear stable, the risk of sudden cardiac arrest remains high due to the heart's compromised state. This highlights the importance of close monitoring and timely intervention for those with chronic heart failure.

Metabolic And Electrolyte Imbalances

Severe electrolyte disturbances, such as hypokalemia (low potassium) or hyperkalemia (high potassium), can interfere with the heart's electrical signals and lead to dangerous arrhythmias. Similarly, acid-base imbalances caused by various medical conditions can further increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

Extreme Physiological Conditions

Abnormal body temperature—whether dangerously high (hyperthermia) or low (hypothermia)—can impair heart function. Likewise, severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels, including extremely high (hyperglycemia) or very low (hypoglycemia) glucose levels, may trigger cardiac instability and potentially lead to arrest.