Cardiac arrest is generally caused by an electrical disruption that disturbs the pumping action of the heart, stopping blood flow to the rest of the body.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious & lethal medical emergency categorized by an abrupt loss of breathing, consciousness, and pulse. This may be signalled by shortness of breath, dizziness, and a racing heartbeat, though some experience no warnings whatsoever. The cardiac arrest symptoms come on abruptly and must be treated instantly.
What are the Preceding Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Some people who experience cardiac arrest have some sense that something is wrong before time. In some cases, cardiac arrest will be heralded by warning symptoms such as:
- Difficulty Breathing
- Chest Pain
- Nausea and/or Vomiting
- Irregular or Racing Heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Lightheadedness & Dizziness
- Passing out, Fainting, or Losing Consciousness
However, often, people don’t realize that there’s an issue until the actual cardiac arrest event itself is happening.
What are the Classic Symptoms Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Depending on the cause, cardiac arrest can replicate other conditions. For instance, a person may experience convulsions that seem like a seizure, or you may assume that someone is chocking if they start wheezing and collapse. Regardless, symptoms of in-progress cardiac arrest happen fast and are intense.
What are the Chances of Survival After a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The odds of surviving sudden cardiac arrest reduce by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without a life-saving shock. The good news is that instant treatment with CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and a defibrillator can save life. If emergency services arrive and administer defibrillation, survival rates are as high as 49 percent.
If you come across a person who has collapsed & is no longer breathing, don’t squander your time trying to find out whether it’s cardiac arrest or not. Cardiac arrest won’t abruptly reverse itself and needs instant hands-on intervention. Call 911 immediately and if you are capable, do CPR until help arrives.
Join an Online CPR Class Now:
You certainly can make a difference in the event of a cardiac arrest if you know a bit about CPR. The American Safety Training Institute offers nationally accepted Certification Courses in CPR and other life saving techniques. If you need your CPR Certification but hate to sit through another mind-numbing 6-hour class, you certainly need to take advantage of our CPR Classes Online. Get your Online CPR Class Certification today from ASTI!
