Sudden Collapse
The person may fall suddenly, lose consciousness, and stop responding.
Cardiac Emergency Care
Cardiac Arrest Emergency Care, CPR Guidance, And Fast Defibrillator Response
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function and consciousness that needs immediate CPR and rapid defibrillation. Early recognition and fast action can save life within minutes.
Immediate
CPR Action
Rapid
Defibrillator Use
24x7
Emergency Support
Clinical Overview
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a condition where heart stops working suddenly and unexpectedly. The person loses consciousness and remains unresponsive. The patient needs immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of a defibrillator when indicated. Cardiac arrest is often due to electrical malfunctions that take the heart out of rhythm, causing tachycardia, bradycardia, or ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to the heart stopping altogether.
Unlike a heart attack, cardiac arrest is primarily an electrical emergency. It can happen after a heart attack, severe rhythm disorder, structural heart disease, low oxygen levels, or other medical conditions. Fast recognition, CPR, and advanced life support significantly improve survival.
If a person collapses, does not respond, and is not breathing normally, call emergency services immediately, start CPR, and use an AED or defibrillator as soon as it is available.
Common Warning Signs
No Normal Breathing
Breathing may be absent or appear like gasping, which is an emergency sign.
Pulse Abnormality
There may be no pulse or a very weak, irregular pulse that needs urgent care.
Chest Pain Before Collapse
Some patients notice chest discomfort, palpitations, or dizziness before arrest happens.
Emergency Response Timeline
Call Emergency
Contact emergency services immediately and keep the line open for instructions.
Start CPR
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help or AED arrives.
Defibrillate
Use an AED or defibrillator as soon as available to correct dangerous rhythms.
Advanced Care
Transfer for ICU monitoring, rhythm stabilization, and treatment of the underlying cause.
Cardiac Arrest Content
Cardiac arrest can affect adults of any age and may occur after heart attack, severe arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalance, or trauma. Immediate CPR and defibrillation are the most important first steps. Our cardiac emergency pathway focuses on rapid recognition, life support, and post-resuscitation recovery planning.
Common Causes
Ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, severe heart attack, cardiomyopathy, low oxygen, and advanced heart disease.
Prevention
Control risk factors, treat rhythm disorders, follow heart medicines, and review symptoms early with a cardiologist.
After Recovery
Patients may need follow-up ECG, echocardiography, ICD consideration, and rehabilitation support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cardiac arrest the same as a heart attack?
No. A heart attack is a circulation problem; cardiac arrest is an electrical problem where the heart stops pumping effectively. A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest.
What is the first thing to do in cardiac arrest?
Call emergency services immediately, start CPR, and use an AED or defibrillator as soon as it is available.
Can cardiac arrest be prevented?
Some causes can be reduced by treating heart disease, rhythm disorders, and risk factors early. Regular cardiology evaluation helps identify high-risk patients.