The most common reasons for cardiac arrest

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cardiac arrest

One of the most common reasons for cardiac arrest is the abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia. It happens when the electrical system of the heart does not work properly. The electrical system of the heart controls the rhythm and rate of the heartbeat.

In case of a malfunction, the heart can start beating too slowly, fast, or irregularly. Usually, such arrhythmias are harmless and brief, though some might cause sudden cardiac arrest. The abnormalities in heart rhythm at the time of a cardiac arrest are most noticeable in the lower chambers of the heart. Erratic, rapid electrical impulses make the ventricles ineffective in pumping blood at optimum levels.

Heart conditions that are reasons for cardiac arrest

A cardiac arrest might happen to people with no known or detected heart disease. But a life-threatening cardiac arrest typically attacks a person with a possibly undiagnosed, pre-existing heart condition. Such conditions include:

Coronary artery disease

In most cases, cardiac arrest occurs in individuals with coronary artery disease, where the arteries get completely clogged with cholesterol and fatty deposits, preventing normal blood flow.

Heart attack

If heart attacks occur, due to severe coronary artery disorder, it might lead to cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation. Additionally, a heart attack leaves scar tissue in the heart. Electrical short circuits happening around this scar tissue might cause abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

Enlarged heart or cardiomyopathy

It primarily occurs when the muscular walls of the heart stretch, thicken, or enlarge. It leads to abnormalities in the heart muscle, which ultimately causes arrhythmias.

Valvular heart disease

Narrowing or leaking of the heart valves might lead to thickening or stretching of the heart muscles. As the chambers get weakened or enlarged due to the stress of a leaking or tight valve, there is a greater risk of getting arrhythmia.

Congenital heart disease

It refers to heart defects present at birth. When a cardiac arrest is seen in children and adolescents, congenital heart disease might be responsible for it. Adults who have had corrective surgery due to a congenital heart defect might still face a high risk of cardiac arrest.

Electrical issues in the heart

In some individuals, the issue is in the electrical system of the heart itself rather than in the valves of the heart muscles. It is known as a primary heart rhythm abnormality and might include a condition like long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome.

Pay attention to risk factors for cardiac arrest

The risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest and coronary artery disease are similar. Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure are red flags for cardiac arrest. Inactive lifestyles and smoking can both contribute to cardiac arrest.

Regardless of whether you have any evident symptoms, it is important to go for heart check-ups regularly after the age of fifty. It will ensure that most of the possible causes are identified and remedial measures are taken.

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