Causes
Causes of cardiac arrest include:
- Ventricular fibrillation —a rapid, irregular heart rhythm preventing any circulation of blood (most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest)
- Ventricular tachycardia—a rapid, but regular heart rhythm that, if sustained, may turn into ventricular fibrillation
- Dramatic slowing of heart rate due to failure of its pacemaker or severe heart block (interference with electrical conduction)
- Respiratory arrest
- Choking or drowning
- Electrocution
- Hypothermia
- Sudden loss of blood pressure
- Unknown causes
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Enlarged heart
- Congenital heart disease
- Improperly functioning heart valves
- Conditions affecting the heart's electrical system
- Severe metabolic imbalances
-
Adverse drug effects, such as from:
- Drugs to treat abnormal heart rhythms
- Lung conditions
- Trauma to the chest
- Extensive blood loss
- Excessive overexertion in people with heart disorders
- Use of illicit substances (eg, cocaine )
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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