Cardiac arrest is also called cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency; the unexpected cardiac arrest can lead to death very quickly called sudden cardiac death. Cardiac arrest is impairing the blood flow to the muscle of the heart. When blood circulation is arrested oxygen and glucose are undelivered to the body. This may lead to brain injury if left untreated for more than five minutes. The factors that are at high risk for cardiac arrest are having a family history of coronary artery disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, heavy consumption of alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle.
Some of the symptoms of cardiac arrest:
- Fainting
- Blackouts
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you have frequent episodes of chest pain or discomfort, heart palpitations, shortness of breath. Early diagnosis may help in quick recovery.
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