Our body's ability to maintain vitality is closely linked to the vital functions of cells and the production of energy. Cells produce energy through nutrients and oxygen. This process involves delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the body through the heart and blood vessels. However, when heart function deteriorates for various reasons, these vital mechanisms can be disrupted, and cell death can occur.

A condition in which the heart's pumping function completely stops is called "cardiac arrest." Cardiac arrest is a serious condition in which the blood flow required by other body tissues cannot be provided. Consequently, organs and tissues can rapidly lose their function, which can result in death if prompt intervention is not provided.

Emergency intervention in the event of cardiac arrest includes cardiac massage, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR aims to restart the heart by applying a series of external pressures and breathing techniques. This emergency response is one of the most urgent and critical medical emergencies and must be implemented quickly.

Cardiac arrest: Causes and risk factors

Cardiac arrest is the complete cessation of the heart's pumping function and the complete cessation of heartbeat. This serious condition is associated with a number of health problems that directly or indirectly damage the heart. Some key factors that can cause cardiac arrest include:

• Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack is heart damage caused by an obstruction of blood flow to the heart's tissues. A narrowing or blockage in the coronary arteries reduces blood flow, which can lead to insufficient oxygen reaching the heart muscles. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
• Arrhythmias: Irregularities in the heart rhythm are called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can disrupt the heart's normal contraction pattern and lead to cardiac arrest.
• Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood. Chronic heart failure can lead to a weakened heart contraction and increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
• Shock: Conditions such as severe blood loss, trauma, infection, or severe dehydration can cause shock. Shock is a state of poor circulation and can lead to heart failure or cardiac arrest.
• Poisonings: Some toxic substances can directly damage the heart muscles and cause cardiac arrest.
• Trauma: High-energy chest trauma can damage the heart and surrounding tissues, leading to cardiac arrest.
• Kidney failure: Kidney failure can cause a buildup of toxic substances in the body and electrolyte imbalances. This can contribute to heart rhythm disturbances and cardiac arrest.

These factors often combine to lead to cardiac arrest. Early intervention and emergency measures, such as CPR, are vital in the event of cardiac arrest.

What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?

A person experiencing cardiac arrest experiences a sudden circulatory failure, resulting in a loss of organ function due to a disruption in blood flow throughout the body. Consequently, the following clinical symptoms may be observed in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest:

• Loss of consciousness
• respiratory arrest
• Fainting or collapse
• Absence of pulse
• Paleness and coldness of the skin
• Vomiting or gastric fluid escaping into the respiratory tract (aspiration)

Before cardiac arrest develops, the following symptoms may be observed in patients:

• Shortness of breath, labored breathing, or gasping
• Chest pain
• Weakness-fatigue
• Confusion, slurred speech, loss of sensation or strength
• Palpitation
• Cold sweats
• Pale skin

How to intervene in case of cardiac arrest?

Immediate intervention in the event of cardiac arrest can increase a patient's chance of survival. Essential interventions that should be implemented in the event of cardiac arrest:

• Call 911 immediately: First, it's important for anyone at the scene to immediately call the emergency services (911). It's critical that professional help arrives as quickly as possible.
• Begin CPR: CPR is a basic life support technique that should be started immediately. Apply firm, steady pressure with your hands together in the center of the rib cage, near the ends of the ribs. This externally stimulates the heart's pumping action.
• Respiratory support: If you are trained and able to assess breathing abilities, provide respiratory support with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. However, if you are not trained or unable to do so, proceed with CPR only.
• Use of a defibrillator: If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, consider using one. The AED can correct the heart rhythm and provide instructions for delivering a shock.
• Continue until professional help arrives: Continue CPR and, if necessary, respiratory support. It is important to maintain continuity until a professional medical team arrives on scene.
• Advanced life support: Basic life support continues until the medical team arrives, and then, once the team is ready, advanced life support is provided. Heart rhythm is monitored with an electrocardiogram ( ECG ), and if necessary, medications or an electroshock device are used to attempt to correct the rhythm. If blood pressure is low, fluids and medications are administered.

It is important to remember that cardiac arrest is an emergency and rapid, effective intervention can increase a patient's chances of survival.

Is cardiac arrest a heart attack?

Cardiac arrest and heart attack (myocardial infarction) are two separate, though sometimes related, conditions. Both are heart emergencies, but their causes and symptoms differ significantly.

Cardiac arrest (cardiac arrest):

• Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden stoppage or irregular functioning of the heart.
• In this condition, the heart loses its normal rhythm and loses its ability to pump blood.
• Cardiac arrest is an emergency and requires immediate intervention. CPR and other basic life support methods are vital in this situation.
• Causes may include heart rhythm disturbances, heavy bleeding, electric shock, and severe heart failure.

Heart attack (Myocardial infarction):

• A heart attack is a condition in which the blood flow to a part of the heart is cut off, causing damage to the tissues in that area.
• It usually occurs due to vascular occlusion or clot formation.
• Heart attack symptoms may include severe chest pain, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.
• A heart attack can cause permanent damage to heart tissue if not treated in time.

The connection between the two conditions is that cardiac arrest can develop as a result of a heart attack. A heart attack damages heart tissue, which can increase the risk of cardiac arrest. However, not every cardiac arrest is the result of a heart attack. Both conditions require immediate medical attention, but their diagnosis and treatment differ.

What does cardiac death mean?

Cardiac death refers to the complete and irreversible loss of heart function. In this condition, the heart stops pumping blood and becomes unable to transport oxygen and nutrients to other organs in the body. Cardiac death usually occurs as a result of cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating normally. This interrupts blood and oxygen flow to vital organs and causes cellular functions to collapse.

Cardiac death is generally an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Cardiac death is often associated with heart conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest, or serious arrhythmias. When this occurs, emergency interventions such as CPR and defibrillation can be used to restart the heart. However, unfortunately, when cardiac death reaches a point where it is often irreversible, the heart cannot be restarted, resulting in death.