Cardiac Arrest Causes & Risks

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 )

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