A cardiac arrest is best described as a sudden and unexpected condition in which the heart stops beating effectively due to an electrical malfunction. This causes the heart to fail to pump blood properly to the brain and other vital organs. As a result, the person loses consciousness and stops breathing or has abnormal breathing. Immediate treatment is critical, as brain damage and death can occur within minutes without intervention. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to a part of the heart but does not necessarily stop the heart from beating. Key points describing cardiac arrest:
- Sudden cessation of heart activity usually caused by an electrical issue.
- The heart can no longer pump blood to the body and brain.
- The person becomes unconscious and stops breathing normally.
- Without rapid emergency care, including CPR and defibrillation, cardiac arrest is fatal.
- It differs from a heart attack, which is primarily a circulation problem, not an electrical one.
This condition is identified by the absence of a pulse and unresponsiveness. It often occurs without warning and requires immediate emergency response to restore circulation and prevent death or brain injury.
