How Long Can You Survive After the Heart Stops Beating?

When the heart stops beating, the body immediately begins to shut down. Within just three minutes, brain cells can experience widespread death due to lack of oxygen. After five minutes, irreversible damage can occur to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs.

Understanding the Timeline of Organ Failure

The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygen deprivation. Unlike other cells in the body, brain cells cannot rely on anaerobic metabolism to produce energy. Once blood flow stops, the limited oxygen and nutrients stored in brain tissue can only sustain function for about one to three minutes. After this time, brain cells begin to die rapidly, and after four minutes of cardiac arrest, the risk of permanent brain damage or cerebral edema (brain swelling) significantly increases.

Heart and Lung Response to Cardiac Arrest

While heart muscle cells also require a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, they are slightly more resilient than brain cells. However, even the heart cannot survive beyond five minutes without oxygen before sustaining irreversible damage. Similarly, the lungs begin to deteriorate as oxygen exchange ceases, further contributing to systemic failure.

Immediate Action is Critical

During cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness completely. Without immediate intervention—such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)—the individual can pass away within minutes. Quick response is essential to restore circulation and increase the chances of survival with minimal neurological damage.

Every second counts during cardiac arrest. Prompt medical care can mean the difference between life and death, as well as long-term recovery versus severe brain injury.