What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function. When this happens, the heart stops pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. Without oxygen, these organs can't function and death can occur within minutes. What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest? The most common symptom of cardiac arrest is sudden loss of consciousness. Other symptoms may include: Unconsciousness No breathing No pulse Bluish skin Convulsions What causes cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest can be caused by a number of factors, including: Heart attack Heart disease Arrhythmia Electrocution Drowning Drug overdose Stroke Trauma What should you do if someone has cardiac arrest? If you see someone who has cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. Then, start CPR. CPR can help to keep the blood flowing to the brain and other organs until help arrives. How to perform CPR To perform CPR, follow these steps: Place the heel of one hand o...