What increases the risk of cardiac arrest – Introduction
Cardiac arrest is a sudden and life-threatening condition where the heart stops beating effectively, causing the cessation of blood flow to vital organs.
Understanding what increases the risk of cardiac arrest is crucial for prevention and early intervention.
Various lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and external triggers play a significant role in elevating the likelihood of experiencing cardiac arrest.
Understanding Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, although the two are often confused.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, leading to a sudden loss of heart function.
The primary cause of cardiac arrest is an irregular heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia.
Without immediate medical attention, cardiac arrest can be fatal within minutes.
Major Risk Factors for Cardiac Arrest
Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiac Arrest Risk
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of cardiac arrest.
CAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart.
Risk factors for developing CAD include:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Smoking
Diabetes
Obesity
Arrhythmias Increasing Cardiac Arrest Risk
Certain abnormal heart rhythms, particularly ventricular fibrillation, significantly increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Ventricular fibrillation causes the heart to quiver rather than pump blood effectively.
Other arrhythmias linked to cardiac arrest include:
Ventricular tachycardia
Atrial fibrillation (in specific conditions)
Long QT syndrome (a genetic heart rhythm disorder)
Heart Attack as a Precursor to Cardiac Arrest
A heart attack can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, leading to cardiac arrest.
People who have experienced a heart attack are at greater risk of future cardiac arrest.
Key factors connecting heart attacks to cardiac arrest:
Damage to heart tissue
Electrical instability in the heart
Scar tissue formation
Cardiomyopathy and Enlarged Heart Risk
Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can increase the likelihood of cardiac arrest.
Types of cardiomyopathy associated with cardiac arrest include: