How is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Treated?
Treatment That Can Maximise the Chances of Surviving Cardiac Arrest
Jun 26, 2009
Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack and it has become a major problem in today’s society. Unless appropriate medical care is given immediately, victims will die from sudden cardiac arrest within a timeframe of around four to six minutes. The chances for survival are dramatically improved if cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is administered. CPR can keep blood flowing to vital organs and prevent brain death.
Early recognition is a key to survival, as the victim’s chance of survival drops by around 10% for every minute they are in cardiac arrest. If you suspect someone has had a possible cardiac arrest and they are unconscious, then call for an ambulance immediately and commence CPR. Once the victim reaches hospital a variety of treatments can be used to stabilize them, but early treatment can make the difference between life and death.
Out of Hospital Treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
A “chain of survival” for cardiac arrest is promoted by several organizations, including the American Heart Association. There are four easy to remember steps, which all emphasise the need to start the process as rapidly as possible, by including the word “early”:
- Early recognition
- Early CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Early advanced care
A cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival can be doubled or tripled by the early use of CPR. If an unconscious person is breathing then it is unlikely they have had a cardiac arrest, but if they are not breathing then the lack of oxygenated blood to the brain can cause damage within just a few minutes.
If the victim is not breathing then push hard and fast on his chest at a rate of around 100 compressions per minute until he either begins breathing or medical help arrives. Everyone would benefit by learning CPR, and for those that don’t want to attend a course there are plenty of web resources which can teach you what you need to know.
An increasing number of public places have defibrillators, and early defibrillation has been proven to be an effective treatment for cardiac arrest. A defibrillator delivers an electric shock which can get the heart back into a normal rhythm. The shock is normally given by the emergency personnel, but if there is a defibrillator available at the location, an emergency medical operator can give usage instructions over the phone while waiting for an ambulance.
Hospital Treatment for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Early advanced care is the fourth and final step in the “chain of survival” and usually involves Life Support as the patient arrives at the hospital. In hospital, treatments used to stabilize patients may include defibrillation, drugs and CPR. Sometimes hypothermia may be induced as this has been shown to improve the outcome.
The options taken will depend on the condition of each individual patient, and those who have been in a coma may have suffered brain damage and never fully recover all their faculties. After stabilisation of the patient, long-term options may include coronary bypass surgery, heart transplant, using anti-arrhythmic drugs or implanting an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) among other possibilities.
Prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining a lifestyle that is heart-healthy will reduce the risk of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. This includes having a balanced healthy diet, keeping physically fit and avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs. Those with heart conditions should have regular check-ups and monitor cholesterol levels so their doctor can be aware of any changes.
References and Useful Links
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
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