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Published on: Apr 15, 2025
4 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Understanding Cardiac Arrest: Causes, Symptoms, And Life-Saving Actions

Cardiac arrest is a serious and sudden medical emergency. It happens when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. This condition cuts off blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, and without quick treatment, it can lead to death within minutes.

Even though the term might sound scary, the good news is that understanding cardiac arrest can help you act quickly and potentially save a life. In this blog, we’ll explore what cardiac arrest is, why it happens, the warning signs, and how to respond if it ever occurs.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood throughout the body. This is usually due to a problem with the heart's electrical system. Without a regular heartbeat, the brain, lungs, and other organs don’t get the oxygen they need, which can cause a person to collapse and become unresponsive.

It's important to know that cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether. A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, but the two are different conditions.

What Causes Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest can be caused by several different factors, including heart-related and non-heart-related issues. The most common causes include:

1. Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias)

The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. This happens when the heart beats in a fast and irregular way, preventing it from pumping blood properly.

2. Heart Attack

A heart attack can damage the heart's electrical system and trigger cardiac arrest. If the heart muscle is injured, it may not beat correctly.

3. Heart Disease

People with coronary artery disease, heart failure, or cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle) are more likely to experience cardiac arrest.

4. Congenital Heart Conditions

Some people are born with heart abnormalities that increase the risk of cardiac arrest, especially in young athletes.

5. Drug Overdose or Substance Abuse

Illegal drugs like cocaine or meth, or even certain prescription medications, can interfere with the heart’s rhythm and lead to cardiac arrest.

6. Severe Blood Loss or Oxygen Shortage

Situations such as drowning, choking, or serious injury can reduce oxygen levels in the body, causing the heart to stop.

Who Is at Risk?

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. Risk factors include:

History of heart disease or previous heart attack
High blood pressure or high cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of sudden cardiac arrest
Use of recreational drugs

Even athletes and young people can suffer from cardiac arrest, especially if they have an undiagnosed heart condition. That’s why regular health checkups are essential.

Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest usually happens suddenly and without warning. A person may:

Collapse without any reason
Lose consciousness immediately
Stop breathing or gasp for air
Have no pulse

Sometimes, a person may have warning signs just minutes before cardiac arrest, such as:

Chest discomfort
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in someone with heart disease, take it seriously and seek medical help.

What to Do in Case of Cardiac Arrest?

When cardiac arrest happens, every second counts. Here’s what you need to do immediately:

1. Call Emergency Services

Call your local emergency number right away (e.g., 911). Tell them it's a suspected cardiac arrest so they send help quickly.

2. Start CPR

Begin chest compressions immediately. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (about 2 inches deep) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. If you're trained, you can also give rescue breaths.

3. Use an AED

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device that can help restart the heart. If one is available nearby, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are designed to be simple to use, even for people without medical training.

The combination of CPR and an AED can greatly increase the chance of survival until professional help arrives.

How Is Cardiac Arrest Treated?

Emergency responders may use advanced tools and medications to stabilize the heart. After arriving at the hospital, doctors may:

Run tests to find the cause of the arrest
Use defibrillation again if needed
Provide medications to support heart function
Implant a device called an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) in people at high risk to prevent future arrests

Ongoing care may also involve lifestyle changes, medications, and treating underlying conditions like high blood pressure or arrhythmias.

Can Cardiac Arrest Be Prevented?

Yes, in many cases, cardiac arrest can be prevented by leading a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing medical conditions early. Here’s how:

Exercise regularly
Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control
Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies
Get regular check-ups, especially if you have a family history of heart issues

If you’ve already had a heart attack or have known heart problems, your doctor might recommend medications or devices like an ICD to reduce your risk of cardiac arrest.

Why CPR and AED Training Matter

Every minute without CPR reduces a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. If more people knew how to perform CPR and use an AED, many lives could be saved every year.

Consider taking a CPR training course in your community. It’s a small investment of time that can make a huge difference in someone’s life—even a stranger's.

Conclusion

Cardiac arrest is a sudden and life-threatening condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or health. Recognizing the warning signs, understanding the risk factors, and knowing how to respond with CPR or an AED can mean the difference between life and death. While it’s a frightening topic, being informed and prepared can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Read FAQs

A. A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart usually keeps beating. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating, often due to an electrical issue. A heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest.

A. Common warning signs include sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing, and loss of consciousness. Some people may feel dizzy, have chest pain, or shortness of breath just before cardiac arrest occurs.

A. Cardiac arrest is treated with CPR (chest compressions) and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to restart the heart. Emergency medical help should be called immediately.

A. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart problems are at higher risk. It can also affect athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions and people who use certain drugs.

A. Yes. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle—like exercising regularly, eating well, avoiding smoking, and managing medical conditions—can help prevent cardiac arrest. Regular check-ups also help detect heart issues early.

Read Blog

Liver Cirrhosis vs Fatty Liver: What’s the Difference?

Our liver plays a vital role in keeping our body healthy. It filters toxins from the blood, helps digest food, stores energy, and supports immunity. But like any organ, it can get damaged. Two common liver conditions people often confuse are fatty liver and liver cirrhosis. While both affect the liver, they are very different in terms of causes, symptoms, and outcomes.

In this blog, we’ll help you understand the key differences between liver cirrhosis and fatty liver, how they develop, their symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent them.

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver, also called hepatic steatosis, is a condition where fat builds up in the liver. It’s normal for the liver to have some fat, but if more than 5-10% of the liver's weight is fat, it's considered a fatty liver.

There are two main types:

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Most common, seen in people who don’t drink much alcohol.
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – Caused by heavy alcohol use.

Fatty liver is often a silent condition. Many people don’t know they have it because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms in early stages.

Causes of Fatty Liver

Obesity
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Rapid weight loss
Poor diet (high in sugar and fat)
Excessive alcohol intake (in AFLD)

What Is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis). This scarring blocks blood flow and affects the liver’s ability to work properly.

Unlike fatty liver, cirrhosis is permanent and serious. It develops slowly over years, often due to long-term liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis, or untreated fatty liver.

Causes of Liver Cirrhosis

Chronic alcohol use
Hepatitis B and C infections
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH – advanced form of fatty liver)
Autoimmune diseases
Genetic disorders (like Wilson’s disease)
Long-term use of certain medications

Key Differences Between Fatty Liver and Cirrhosis

Aspect	Fatty Liver	Liver Cirrhosis
Nature	Fat accumulation in liver cells	Scarring and permanent damage to liver tissue
Reversibility	Reversible with lifestyle changes	Irreversible, but progression can be slowed
Symptoms	Usually no symptoms early on	Fatigue, jaundice, swelling, confusion
Causes	Obesity, diabetes, alcohol, diet	Long-term liver damage, hepatitis, alcohol
Severity	Mild to moderate	Severe and life-threatening if not managed
Treatment	Lifestyle and diet changes	Medication, regular monitoring, sometimes transplant

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Fatty Liver Symptoms (if any):

Fatigue
Mild discomfort or pain in upper right abdomen
Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests

Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms:

Yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)
Swelling in legs or abdomen (edema or ascites)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Confusion or memory loss (hepatic encephalopathy)
Itchy skin
Spider-like blood vessels on skin

Diagnosis: How Doctors Tell the Difference

Doctors use a combination of the following to diagnose liver issues:

Blood tests – Check liver enzymes, liver function.
Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) – Shows fat or scarring in the liver.
Fibroscan or Liver Biopsy – Measures liver stiffness or checks for scarring directly.

Fatty liver shows fat deposits, while cirrhosis shows scar tissue and shrinkage of the liver.

Treatment Options

For Fatty Liver:

Weight loss – Losing 7-10% of body weight can reverse the condition.
Healthy diet – Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein.
Exercise – At least 30 minutes daily.
Avoid alcohol – Especially if it’s alcohol-related fatty liver.
Control diabetes/cholesterol – With diet or medication.

For Liver Cirrhosis:

Treat the underlying cause – Like hepatitis or alcohol use.
Avoid alcohol completely
Healthy diet with low salt – Prevent fluid buildup.
Medications – To manage symptoms and complications.
Regular screening – For liver cancer or internal bleeding.
Liver transplant – In advanced or end-stage cases.

Can Fatty Liver Turn into Cirrhosis?

Yes, if fatty liver is not treated, especially in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), it can cause inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis over time. But the good news is – fatty liver is reversible, especially if caught early and proper steps are taken.

How to Keep Your Liver Healthy

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet – Avoid sugary, fried, or processed food
Exercise regularly
Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation
Don’t share needles or personal items that may carry blood
Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B
Take medicines only as prescribed

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you feel constantly tired, have unexplained weight loss, jaundice, swelling in your abdomen or legs, or abnormal liver test results – don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.

Conclusion

Fatty liver and liver cirrhosis are both serious liver conditions, but they are very different. Fatty liver is often the first stage of liver damage, and is reversible with lifestyle changes. Cirrhosis, on the other hand, is irreversible, and needs medical attention and sometimes life-long treatment.

Understanding the difference between the two helps you take better care of your liver and make informed health decisions. If you or someone you know is at risk, it’s never too early to make a change.

Want to know more about how to keep your liver healthy? Talk to your doctor today and understand the risks. Liver cirrhosis vs fatty liver: What’s the difference? Find out now and protect your health before it’s too late.

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