Someone suddenly collapses. They are unresponsive and not breathing normally. What happens next can mean the difference between life and death.
October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Someone suddenly collapses. They are unresponsive and not breathing normally. What happens next can mean the difference between life and death.
During Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, INTEGRIS Health is encouraging Oklahomans to understand sudden cardiac arrest, recognize the signs and know how to respond when every second matters.
Approximately 400,000 people in the U.S. experience sudden cardiac arrest each year, with survival at about 10%, according to an American Heart Association Scientific Sessions report.
Sudden cardiac arrest vs. heart attack
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, sudden cardiac arrest and heart attack are different medical emergencies.
Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops pumping blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked. A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest, but the two are not the same.
“Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions and the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively to the brain, lungs and other organs,” explains Sean Halleran, M.D., a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist at the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital.
Sudden cardiac arrest can have several causes, including dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, previous heart damage or scarring, cardiomyopathy and inherited electrical abnormalities. Respiratory arrest, certain blood vessel abnormalities, recreational drug use and commotio cordis, which can result from a blow to the chest, can also cause cardiac arrest.
While certain heart conditions can increase a person’s risk, cardiac arrest can happen to someone with or without a previous diagnosis of heart disease.
“Sudden cardiac arrest can affect someone with known heart disease, but it can also happen to someone who did not know they had a heart condition,” says Halleran. “That’s why it’s important for everyone to recognize the signs and know how to respond.”
Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs with little or no warning. A person typically:
“When the heart stops effectively pumping, the brain and other vital organs are deprived of blood flow,” says Halleran. “Within seconds, a person can become unresponsive and stop breathing normally. It is a true medical emergency, and immediate action can save a life.”
Cardiac arrest can happen to people of any age and in any setting, including at home, at work, during exercise or in a public place.
Know what to do
If someone suddenly collapses, is unresponsive and is not breathing normally:
“Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest and understanding the urgency of the situation is so important,” says Halleran. “The person standing nearby may be the most important person in those first few minutes. When people know what to look for and are prepared to respond, they can help give someone the best possible chance of survival.”
INTEGRIS Health encourages Oklahomans to learn CPR and become familiar with AED locations at work, school and other places they regularly visit. Talk with your primary care provider about your heart health and risk factors. For specialized cardiac care, contact the INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital at 405-948-4040.
If you are over the age of 40, check the risk factors. Regular screening and early detection can lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing more serious heart conditions down the line.
