Sudden cardiac arrest
is a treatable condition
 

To define sudden cardiac arrest, we must understand how it differs from a heart attack.

A heart attack is caused when blood flow to the heart is blocked due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart malfunctions and suddenly beats irregularly.

Think of it as the difference between a plumbing and an electrical problem. The heart attack is a plumbing issue where blood flow to the heart is restricted. SCA is a short circuit of the electrical system which interrupts the heart's regular rhythm and keeps it from pumping blood through the body.

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A short circuit in the heart
An adult heart beats 60 to 100 beats per minute. This is called ‘normal sinus rhythm’. This very regular pattern feeds oxygen rich blood to the entire body and is managed by the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. Electrical impulses leave the SA node and travel to the AV node. In concert, these nodes maintain normal sinus rhythm.

Similar to the electrical wiring in your home, there can be a short circuit. When this happens, there is an abrupt loss of heart function - sudden cardiac arrest. Instead of pumping regularly, the heart quivers uncontrollably and blood is not circulated. This is called ventricular fibrillation.

Death follows unless emergency treatment is provided quickly. The only definitive way to return the heart to its regular normal sinus rhythm is by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and applying an electrical shock from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Signs, symptoms and diagnosis
SCA can strike anyone, anywhere, at anytime – regardless of age or medical history. Recognizing the difference between a heart attack and SCA is critical. A heart attack victim, while in extreme pain, remains awake and aware. Sudden cardiac arrest causes the victim to lose consciousness immediately and collapse. There are no visible signs of life:

• no regular pulse
• no breathing

Treatment
The best chance for SCA survival is to begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away. CPR keeps enough oxygenated blood flowing to the brain until the normal heart rhythm is restored with an electric shock from an AED - a defibrillator. Without defibrillation, death can occur within 10 minutes.

Emergency medical responders can provide that electrical shock, however they may take too long to arrive. If you are the nearest bystander, you can apply the shock. Today's AEDs are easy-to-use. Voice-activated instructions guide you through the process and the defibrillator will not deliver a shock unless one is appropriate. You cannot harm the victim.1

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