Cardiac Arrest and Respiratory Arrest

1. Introduction

Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest are life-threatening conditions that occur when the heart stops beating and the brain ceases to receive oxygen. This leads to loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and death if not addressed promptly.

2. Causes

Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: Myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease…

• Respiratory disease: Asthma, pneumonia, airway obstruction…

• Trauma: Traumatic brain injury, chest trauma, blood loss…

• Poisoning: Drug overdose, carbon monoxide poisoning…

• Other causes: Anaphylaxis, hypothyroidism, severe infections…

3. Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest include:

• Loss of consciousness: The patient is unresponsive and does not react to stimuli.

• Cessation of breathing: No chest movement or breath sounds are observed.

• Absent pulse: No pulse can be felt in the wrist or neck.

• Dilated pupils: The pupils of the eyes are dilated and unresponsive to light.

• Cyanosis: The skin and lips turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

• Seizures: The patient may experience seizures due to oxygen deprivation to the brain.

4. Management

4.1. Emergency Phase

• Call emergency services (911): Inform emergency personnel of the emergency situation and location.

• Check the airway: Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.

• Check for breathing: Observe the chest movement and listen for breath sounds.

• Check for a pulse: Feel for a pulse in the wrist or neck.

• Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): If the patient is not breathing and has no pulse, perform CPR, which includes:

• Chest compressions: Push down on the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, to a depth of 2 inches.

• Rescue breaths: Provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute.

• Use an automated external defibrillator (AED): If available, use an AED to deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

4.2. Hospital Phase

• Monitor the patient’s condition: Use monitors to track heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen levels.

• Provide medical management: Employ appropriate medical interventions based on the cause of the cardiac and respiratory arrest, including:

• Medication: Administer adrenaline, atropine, vasodilators…

• Ventilation: Use a mechanical ventilator to assist breathing.

• Procedures: Perform procedures to open an obstructed airway, intubate the trachea, insert IV lines…

• Surgery: If necessary, perform surgery to address the cause of the arrest.

5. Notes

• As soon as cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest are suspected, call 911 and perform CPR as soon as possible.

• Learn CPR and how to use an AED to manage emergencies.

• Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest can leave patients with severe sequelae, including brain damage, multi-organ failure…

• After recovery, patients should be monitored and managed long-term to control the underlying cause of the arrest.

6. Diagnostics

• Essential diagnostics:

• Blood tests: CBC, blood chemistry, cardiac enzymes, ProBNP

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

• Chest X-ray

• Lumbar puncture (if neurological disease is suspected)

• Echocardiogram (if cardiovascular disease is suspected)

• Diagnostics based on the cause:

• Blood and urine tests to identify poisoning

• Bronchoscopy to identify airway obstruction

• Other tests depending on the patient’s condition.

7. Summary

Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest are life-threatening conditions. Prompt management is crucial to saving the patient’s life. Calling 911, performing CPR, and using an AED are optimal interventions. After recovery, patients need long-term monitoring and treatment to manage the underlying cause of the arrest.

8. Additional Information

• Survival rate: The survival rate after cardiac arrest depends on factors such as the underlying cause, the time to CPR, and the availability of an AED. Early intervention and CPR significantly improve survival chances.

• Prevention: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, which are common causes of cardiac arrest.

• Ongoing research: Research continues to advance in the areas of cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

It’s important to note that this information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you suspect someone is experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest, call emergency services immediately.