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Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often without warning. It is a life-threatening condition that demands immediate attention, as it is fatal in most cases if not treated quickly. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 9 out of 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting die.
One of the major reasons cardiac arrest is so deadly is the lack of immediate response. Shockingly, only about 40% of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital receive the necessary help before emergency responders arrive. This highlights the crucial role of bystanders in potentially saving lives.
What Happens During Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is caused by a malfunction in the heart’s electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia. This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood to vital organs, including the brain and lungs. Without blood flow, a person quickly loses consciousness, stops breathing, or starts gasping for air. If no immediate action is taken, death can occur within minutes.
The best chance of survival comes from early recognition and rapid intervention. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can restore a normal heart rhythm and buy crucial time until professional medical help arrives.
CPR is essential in keeping the heart pumping and blood circulating to vital organs. An AED delivers a shock to the heart, restoring its normal rhythm. If successful, the patient can be transported for further treatment and recovery, including both physical and psychological support for the patient and their family.
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack
While the terms “cardiac arrest” and “heart attack” are often used interchangeably, they are distinct medical events. Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem in the heart, while a heart attack is a circulation issue. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, leading to damage of heart muscle. If a heart attack leads to an arrhythmia, it can trigger a cardiac arrest. However, a heart attack does not always result in cardiac arrest.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Several factors can trigger a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is one of the most common causes. Other conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart muscle, can also lead to a fatal arrhythmia. In younger people, especially athletes, HCM can increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Commotio cordis, a rare phenomenon caused by a blow to the chest during the wrong moment in the heart’s electrical cycle, can also cause fatal arrhythmias, even without visible heart damage.
Despite the cause, immediate CPR and access to a defibrillator are critical in saving a life.
Learning CPR: A Lifesaving Skill for Everyone
Each year, an estimated 350,000 people in the United States experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. The majority of these events occur at home, making friends and family members the first responders in most cases. CPR, especially if administered quickly, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions alone, is a simple and effective skill that anyone can learn. If you witness someone collapse, call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective in the early moments of an emergency as traditional CPR, which also involves mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
The Emotional Impact on Responders
Witnessing or performing CPR during a cardiac arrest can be an emotionally overwhelming experience. Responders may face feelings of guilt, fear, anger, and exhaustion, and may even experience symptoms of PTSD, particularly if their efforts do not result in a successful resuscitation. It is important for those who respond to these emergencies to seek support and resources to cope with the emotional aftermath.
Advocacy for Cardiac Arrest Preparedness
In response to the need for greater preparedness, President Biden recently signed the bipartisan HEARTS Act into law. This legislation mandates that schools implement cardiac emergency response plans, CPR training, and the availability of AEDs. The American Heart Association (AHA) is also working to increase awareness and participation in CPR training programs, with the goal of doubling survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
The AHA’s “Nation of Lifesavers” campaign, led by cardiac arrest survivor and Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin, emphasizes the importance of bystander intervention in emergencies. Through education and training, the AHA hopes to equip more people with the skills to act swiftly and save lives.
As we head into 2025, the AHA’s efforts to increase awareness and training are crucial in making cardiac arrest a more survivable condition. Learning CPR is a vital step in becoming part of the solution, ensuring that more lives are saved when every second counts.
This article is provided by the American Heart Association.
