Are you aware of sudden cardiac arrest? Let's talk about it!

Have you ever heard of someone suddenly falling asleep, or talking and then losing consciousness for a second? You may have seen something like that. Oh, there are no words to describe the panic and fear that comes to mind at such a time, right? One of the main reasons for something like that is sudden cardiac arrest , which in medical terms is called `(Cardiac Arrest).` This is really a very urgent, serious health condition. However, the most important thing is that if the right medical help is received as soon as possible, the chances of saving that person's life increase significantly. So, today we will talk in detail about what `(Cardiac Arrest)` is, why it happens, what are the symptoms, how to treat it, and what we can do to survive it.

What is sudden cardiac arrest? (What Is Cardiac Arrest?)

Simply put, `(Cardiac Arrest)` is when the heart suddenly stops beating due to a change in the normal electrical activity of our heart. Think of it, our heart is like a water motor. It pumps blood throughout the body. So, when this motor suddenly stops working, blood stops flowing to other parts of the body, especially the brain.

This condition is very rare in young children and young adults. However, if someone does develop it, it can be life-threatening. That's why prompt medical attention is so important.

What are the symptoms of this? (Signs & Symptoms)

We know that blood is what supplies our body and brain with the oxygen they need. So, in a ``Cardiac Arrest'', when the pumping of oxygenated blood to the body and brain stops, the person suddenly passes out and stops breathing.

Imagine, minute by minute, the brain is deprived of oxygen. If that happens, the brain and other vital organs will start to be damaged. If it goes on for too long, the person could even die. That's why this is such an emergency.

Sometimes, there may be no symptoms before this `(Cardiac Arrest)` occurs. However, some people may experience chest pain, nausea, or dizziness before it occurs. However, most of the time, it comes without any warning .

Why does the heart suddenly stop like this? (Causes)

The reasons why adults, children, and young people develop ``Cardiac Arrest`` are slightly different.

In adults, this is often caused by coronary heart disease (CHD), which is a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart . This is what causes a heart attack.

However, the causes of cardiac arrest in children and young adults are slightly different. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Myocarditis: This is an inflammation of the heart muscle . It is similar to the swelling of the heart muscle when we have an injury. It can be caused by various infections.
• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This is when the walls of the heart, or heart muscle, become thicker than normal. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood properly.
• Abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia): Our heart beats in a certain rhythm. Problems can occur when this rhythm is disrupted. For example, conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or Long QT syndrome can cause such abnormal rhythms. These are complex problems in the electrical system of the heart.
• A problem with the heart's electrical system: As mentioned above, ``Long QT syndrome'' is one such condition. This type of emergency can occur when the heart's electrical signals are not working properly.
• A congenital problem with the way the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart or heart muscle (coronary arteries) are formed: Sometimes a person can be born with a congenital defect in the heart or the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can also be a cause.
• Trauma to the chest: For example, if a fast ball hits the chest while playing sports, or if the chest is hit hard in an accident, it can also cause cardiac arrest.
• Stroke: A stroke caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the brain can also, rarely, cause cardiac arrest.
• Drug overdose: Some drugs, especially if taken in large amounts, can directly affect the functioning of the heart and cause this condition.
• Near drowning: When you drown in water, your body is deprived of oxygen, which can also affect your heart.

What happens to young athletes?

Very rarely, a young athlete can have a cardiac arrest while playing. This usually happens if the person has a previously undiagnosed heart condition (such as myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or arrhythmia). Or, it can happen when the heart rhythm is disrupted by a hard blow to the chest.

How do you diagnose this?

Usually, a child or young person is diagnosed with a ``Cardiac Arrest'' when they are brought to the hospital after losing consciousness. Doctors first ask what happened, what happened before the incident, and what treatment was given (such as whether anyone performed ``CPR'').

Then, they do several tests like this:

• EKG (Electrocardiogram): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can detect if there is a problem with the heart's rhythm or if the heart has been damaged.
• Chest X-ray: This checks the size and shape of the heart, as well as the condition of the lungs.
• Blood tests: Various substances (enzymes, salts) in the blood are checked to see if there is any damage to the heart or if there is another cause.

A cardiologist is the one who helps determine the exact cause of the cardiac arrest and advises on what to do next.

How is this treated? (Treatment)

For the best outcome, treatment for `(Cardiac Arrest)` should be started immediately. Every second counts here.

If you think someone is having a ``Cardiac Arrest'', call an emergency ambulance service like 1990 immediately. That's the first thing to do.

Until the ambulance arrives, there are several treatments we need to perform:

1. Give CPR: CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. This involves giving rescue breathing , which is mouth-to-mouth breathing, and chest compressions. This is done to keep some oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other parts of the body, even if the heart has stopped.

2. Using an AED: An AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. It is a small, portable machine that delivers an electric shock to the heart when it has an abnormal rhythm (called an arrhythmia). These AEDs are now available in many public places, schools, and playgrounds.

Even after the emergency services arrive, they will continue to perform CPR, give another shock with the AED if necessary, and give medication to help the heart start beating again through a saline solution (an IV line) in the arm.

After being brought to the hospital, a person who has had a cardiac arrest is treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) . Once the heart starts beating again, doctors look for the cause and then start treating it appropriately. For example, if someone is diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, they may need to be given medication and possibly an implantable device to control the abnormal heart rhythm.

Can't this be prevented? (Prevention)

Cardiac Arrest cannot always be prevented. However, there are things we can do to reduce the chance of it occurring:

• Get everyone in your family accustomed to a heart-healthy lifestyle:
• Choosing good, nutritious foods. Things like reducing oil, salt, and sugar, and eating more fruits and vegetables.
• Doing a little bit of strenuous exercise every day. Like walking, running, or playing.
• Maintaining a healthy weight is important, because being unnecessarily overweight is a burden on the heart.
• Avoid smoking completely. Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of the heart.

• Get your child to have regular medical checkups. Especially if your child is an athlete, be sure to get a pre-participation sports physical. This can help detect any undiagnosed heart conditions.

• If your child suddenly loses consciousness, has chest pain, has difficulty breathing, or has any other symptoms that make you suspicious, take them to the nearest doctor immediately. Don't ignore it.

• If your child has any heart disease, follow the instructions given by the cardiologist exactly. Give the prescribed medication on time, and avoid sports and activities that are not recommended.

• When playing sports, make sure you are using the correct sports protective equipment.

• If you suspect your child is addicted to drugs, talk to a doctor about it. Find a solution before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you haven't been trained in CPR or using an AED, consider doing so. Older children and young adults can learn to do this too. Many schools and sports complexes have AEDs. Find out where they are and keep them handy. If you're prepared, you too could help save a life one day.

Finally, take-home message:

`Cardiac Arrest` is a truly scary thing. However, we can reduce this risk by being aware of it, acting as soon as we see the symptoms, and living as heart-friendly as possible. Remember, your quick action in an emergency can be the deciding factor between life and death. Therefore, be interested in things like `CPR` training. We wish everyone to stay healthy!

` Sudden cardiac arrest, Cardiac Arrest, Heart disease, CPR, AED, First aid, Heart health