Cardiac Arrest and Human Life: A Consultant Perspective
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, life-threatening event where the heart stops pumping blood effectively, leading to loss of consciousness and, without immediate intervention, death within minutes. Unlike a heart attack, which is a circulation problem, cardiac arrest is primarily an electrical failure.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes include coronary artery disease, ventricular fibrillation, severe arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, and structural heart abnormalities. Risk is elevated in patients with prior myocardial infarction, heart failure, or inherited electrical disorders.
Immediate Response Saves Lives
Survival depends on rapid recognition and immediate action. Early CPR and defibrillation within the first few minutes can double or triple survival rates. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public spaces are critical tools in the chain of survival.
Surgical and Preventive Roles
As cardiovascular surgeons, we play a crucial role in preventing arrest through timely interventions such as coronary bypass, valve repair, aneurysm correction, and implantation of devices like ICDs (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators) in high-risk patients.
Post-Arrest Care
Patients who survive require intensive post-arrest management, including targeted temperature management, neurological evaluation, and treatment of the underlying cardiac condition. Multidisciplinary care improves outcomes.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is a race against time. Prevention, public education, surgical intervention, and emergency preparedness must align. As specialists, our role extends beyond the operating room — we are central to both saving lives and shaping long-term recovery.
