Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

Cardiac arrest is one of the greatest of all medical emergencies. Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Most cases of SCA are due to an arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. Other electrical problems in the heart also can cause SCA. The irregular heart rhythm called arrhythmia can causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. Some cardiac arrests are caused due to extreme slowing of the heart. This is called bradycardia.

One needs to remember that Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. If a person has a cardiac arrest, they lose consciousness almost at once. This is the most extreme emergency. Unless someone starts cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within three to four minutes followed by AED the person may suffer permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. One should know how to use AED Equipments.

Cardiac arrest can strikes immediately, without warning and are quite drastic. Here are some symptoms:

1) Sudden collapse
2) No pulse
3) No breathing
4) Loss of consciousness

Sometimes there are some early warning signs of Cardiac Attack like:

1) Respiratory arrest
2) Electrocution
3) Choking
4) Trauma
5) Chest pain
6) Weakness
7) Pounding in the chest
8) Fatigue
9) Fainting
10) Blackouts
11) Dizziness
12) Shortness of breath
13) Palpitations
14) Vomiting