Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden failure of your Heart and is a result of blood no longer flowing to the brain and other organs. It is one of the major causes of death, but it can be treated if the patient quickly gets help. Below are 6 things you need to know about Cardiac Arrest.

1.  Cardiac Arrest is Sudden

Cardiac arrest is sudden, and its consequences are dire. When you are under a cardiac arrest attack, you collapse suddenly and lose consciousness. You will not have any pulse and breathing stops, which will lead to death. Some of the symptoms of cardiac arrest include shortness of breath, feeling dizzy, tired, and weak. You may also experience some chest pains.

In some instances, cardiac arrest can occur without any warning sign. The heart consists of an electrical system that keeps it functioning. If the electrical signals cause arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat, a cardiac arrest can occur. There are several forms of arrhythmias, and most of them are not dangerous. For example, ventricular fibrillation is the major cause of cardiac arrest. When you experience this, your heart will not be able to pump sufficient blood to all organs of the body. This can be life-threatening since your body cannot function without oxygen and blood.

2.  Training is Available

Many companies are beginning to realize the risks of cardiac arrest and are now offering employees training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Health care institutions are also providing comprehensive training to their employees like Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Anyone can receive training to prevent cardiac arrest even with no medical background. By pursuing an online ACLS Certification, you can simply take a course once you choose the type of training you would like to gain. If you want to learn about this condition, you can study in your free time. The advantage of online training is that it is convenient and allows you to create a balance in your life work schedule.

There are different things you should consider when selecting an ACLS certification course. Make sure it will be accepted by accrediting institutions. The course must follow standards put by responsible authorities in your jurisdiction. Before you enroll in a particular course, make sure you go through all the details to understand the requirements. You should also know the time it will take for you to complete the course.

3.  It is Related to Heart Disease

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack although there is a relationship between the two. For instance, many people who suffer from cardiac arrest have coronary artery disease. This means little blood will flow into your heart if you have coronary artery disease. This can cause a heart attack that will damage the electrical system responsible for pumping blood. A critical shortage of oxygen or blood loss can also cause a heart attack. When you experience a heart attack, blood flow to the heart decreases whereas cardiac failure is a result of the heart being completely deprived of blood and oxygen.

If you have heart problems, you should avoid intense exercise since physical activity can lead to a deadly condition. Too much potassium and magnesium levels in your body can lead to an irregular heart rhythm which will trigger this deadly condition. If your heart undergoes some changes, the chances of suffering from cardiac arrest will be high. For example, if your heart is enlarged, you will be at risk of this condition.

4.  Intense Emotion can Cause Cardiac Arrest

Intense feelings of emotion such as anger can trigger arrhythmias that will cause the condition. Other mental conditions like depression and anxiety can also contribute to this fatal condition. You should try to reduce aspects like stress and other conditions that can affect your mental health to stay safe from the disease. If you are experiencing difficult times, you should seek counseling services.

Exercise can help improve the rate of your heart which can go a long way in reducing the chances of contracting the condition. Physical activity also helps reduce stress and other mental health problems. Make sure you get quality sleep to improve your overall health; 8 or more hours of rest are crucial to maintaining your cardiovascular health. This will help you prevent the condition from attacking you.

5.  Cardiac Arrest can be Treated

When you suffer from cardiovascular arrest, you must get immediate treatment using a defibrillator. This machine works by sending an electric shock to your heart to help it beat normally. This portable defibrillator provides step-by-step instructions and checks your heart’s rhythm. It will recommend a shock if necessary. You can start with chest compressions and repeat the process until the patient regains consciousness. This therapy must be applied a few minutes after the attack.

Portable automated external defibrillators are found in different places including shopping malls, airports, and other public areas. The good thing about these machines is that they come with instructions which make them easy to use.

6.  Doctor Visits are a Must

If you experience things like heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and wheezing, you must call an ambulance immediately to get emergency help. When the heart stops functioning, this can cause sudden death or permanent damage to the brain if the person is lucky to survive. If you see someone struggling to breathe, you must call an ambulance.

You can also perform CPR, but first, check the person’s breathing to determine the action you should take. You must push fast and hard on the affected person’s chest at the rate of about 120 compressions per minute. If you have basic training in CPR, you can provide rescue breath after 30 compressions. However, you must first check the patient’s airway.

If you are not trained, just apply chest compressions and make sure the chest rises between the compressions. You must continue doing this until emergency workers arrive or you get a defibrillator.

Cardiac arrest can be fatal since it often leads to sudden heart failure. The survival rate of this fatal condition is less than 10 percent. However, this condition can be prevented with frequent doctor consultations, and there are different steps you can take when someone experiences this condition. Bear in mind that cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack and requires different solutions to maintain one’s health.