Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Recognition

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Recognizing the signs quickly can significantly increase the chances of survival. The key clinical indicators of cardiac arrest are outlined below.

Key Signs of Cardiac Arrest

1. Loss of Consciousness

One of the most obvious signs is the sudden loss of consciousness. The individual will not respond to voice or physical stimulation, such as shaking or tapping.

2. Absence of Pulse in Major Arteries

During cardiac arrest, blood circulation stops, and therefore no pulse can be felt in the major arteries. Typically, medical professionals check for a pulse in the carotid artery located in the neck or the femoral artery in the groin area.

3. No Breathing or Abnormal Breathing

The person may not be breathing at all, or they may exhibit agonal respirations—these are irregular, gasping breaths that may sound like sighing or snoring. This is not effective breathing and should not be mistaken for normal respiration.

4. Dilated Pupils

Another clinical sign is the dilation of the pupils, which may become fixed and unresponsive to light. A normal reaction to light is constriction of the pupils, so the absence of this response is a strong indicator of severe neurological compromise due to cardiac arrest.

How Medical Professionals Assess Cardiac Arrest

In clinical and emergency settings, healthcare providers follow a systematic approach to assess for cardiac arrest. This includes checking the person's level of consciousness, evaluating the presence of a pulse in major arteries, and observing breathing patterns.

Immediate Response to Cardiac Arrest

If a person is confirmed to be in cardiac arrest, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated. Prompt CPR can help maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until more advanced medical interventions are available. It is also critical to call emergency services and, if available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.