Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when an abnormal electrical rhythm causes the heart to stop pumping blood. As blood circulation stops, the brain and other organs are immediately deprived of oxygen.
It is commonly confused with a heart attack, though the two are distinct.
A heart attack results from blocked blood flow to part of the heart, whereas cardiac arrest is an electrical failure that stops the heartbeat entirely. The patient collapses suddenly, with no pulse and no consciousness. Since organ damage begins within minutes, timely intervention is non-negotiable.
Survival depends on restoring a normal rhythm through CPR, defibrillation and advanced medical care, delivered without delay.
The risk of cardiac arrest is higher in people with coronary artery disease, a prior heart attack, heart failure, inherited heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmia-related conditions such as atrial fibrillation.
Cardiac arrest can stem from different underlying heart rhythm disturbances, each with its own characteristics. Here are the main types.
1. Shockable Rhythms
(These respond to defibrillation)
It is the most common type, where the lower chambers of the heart quiver or flutter instead of pumping blood.
The heart beats extremely fast but cannot circulate blood effectively.
2. Non-Shockable Rhythms
(These do not respond to defibrillation or electric shock and require different interventions like CPR)
It is also called ‘flatline,’ where there is no detectable electrical activity in the heart.
In this case, electrical signals are present, but the heart muscle fails to contract effectively.
Cardiac arrest often strikes suddenly. In some cases, however, symptoms may appear minutes, hours or even days beforehand, especially when an underlying heart condition is the cause. These warning signs can include:
Signs of cardiac arrest requiring immediate emergency care
Anyone showing these symptoms requires immediate CPR and emergency medical attention.
Cardiac arrest usually develops because of an underlying heart condition, but it can also affect people with inherited electrical disorders or severe medical emergencies.
Some common causes are:
You may be at higher risk of cardiac arrest due to the following factors:
Managing these conditions plays an important role in cardiac arrest prevention.
Emergency diagnosis begins immediately after restoring circulation.
Your cardiac specialists may recommend:
These investigations help determine the cause and guide future treatment.
Cardiac arrest treatment begins at the scene and continues in hospital to improve survival and reduce complications.
Common treatment approaches include:
A cardiologist or cardiac electrophysiologist will determine the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying heart condition.
Recovery depends on how quickly treatment was started, the underlying cause and the extent of organ damage.
After discharge, patients usually require:
The CK Birla Hospital offers coordinated cardiac care through a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiac electrophysiologists, emergency physicians, intensivists, cardiac surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
Patients have access to:
If you have symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm or are at risk of cardiac arrest, book an appointment with the experienced cardiologists at the CK Birla Hospital for timely evaluation and treatment.
Yes. Survival depends on how quickly CPR, defibrillation and advanced medical treatment are started. Immediate bystander CPR and early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), when available, can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery.
No. A heart attack is caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, whereas cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.
Many cases can be prevented by controlling heart disease risk factors, treating abnormal heart rhythms and following a healthy lifestyle.
People with heart disease, previous heart attack, heart failure, inherited rhythm disorders, diabetes and high blood pressure are at greater risk.
