Cardiac Arrest Signs, Causes and Recovery with Lifesaving CPR

A cardiac arrest occurs when the ticker suddenly stops pumping blood around the body mainly because of a problem with electrical signals in the heart. When the ticker stops pumping blood, the brain is starved of oxygen which causes unconsciousness in an individual and the victim stops breathing.

Cardiac Arrest Signs:

There are generally no symptoms before a cardiac arrest and, it can be fatal without immediate treatment. A victim in cardiac arrest won’t be conscious, they won’t be responsive and won’t be breathing, or breathing normally. A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical emergency and a victim would require immediate treatment for survival. If you witness a cardiac arrest, immediately dial 911 and give CPR to increase the person’s chances of survival.

For a CPR certification Tampa, sign up in a certified training site such as the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students by certified instructors.

Cardiac Arrest Causes:

The most common cause is a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm called Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) which happens when the electrical activity of the ticker becomes so chaotic that it stops pumping and quivers or 'fibrillates' instead. Some heart-related causes include coronary heart disease, heart attack, congenital heart disease, heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy and some inherited heart conditions, acute myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), ticker conduction disorders that increases the likelihood to experience abnormal heart rhythms, such as Long QT syndrome.

Other causes include electrocution, drug overdose, drowning, severe haemorrhage.

Recovering from a Cardiac Arrest:

Training in how to use an AED device for the process of defibrillation is imparted in the CPR classes itself. VF can sometimes be corrected by giving an electric shock through the chest wall, by using an Automated External Defibrillator device which can be done by a member of the public (using a public access defibrillator), the emergency services or at hospital. The device is easy to use, it is just required to follow the voice instructions. But training will instil confidence in carrying out the task competently during an out-of-hospital cardiac emergency.

Performing CPR (a series of chest compressions and rescue breaths) will keep oxygen circulating around the body until a defibrillator can be used and/or until the emergency services arrive.

Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack:

Blood supply to the heart muscle being cut off due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries is what causes a heart attack which can cause chest pain, although symptoms can be less severe, and can permanently damage the ticker. On the other hand, when the ticker suddenly stops pumping blood around the body, often because of a problem with the electrical signals to the heart muscle is what leads to a cardiac arrest.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by joining a CPR class today. At CPR Tampa, courses for healthcare and non-healthcare providers are offered. To know more, or to sign up for a program, call CPR Tampa on 813-453-9974.