Cirkulationsstopp

Cirkulationsstopp, also known as cardiac arrest, is a sudden and complete cessation of effective blood circulation throughout the body. This occurs when the heart stops beating effectively or stops altogether. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention.

The most common cause of cirkulationsstopp is a sudden cardiac arrhythmia, typically ventricular fibrillation, where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically instead of pumping blood. Other causes can include severe heart attack, trauma, drowning, electrocution, or drug overdose. Symptoms of cirkulationsstopp are abrupt and include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, absence of breathing or abnormal gasping, and no pulse.

Immediate recognition of cirkulationsstopp and the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are crucial for survival. CPR involves chest compressions and, if trained, rescue breaths to manually circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. Early defibrillation with an automated external defibrillator (AED) significantly increases the chances of survival by restoring a normal heart rhythm. Emergency medical services play a critical role in advanced treatment and transport to a hospital. The prognosis for cirkulationsstopp depends on factors such as the underlying cause, the duration of the event before resuscitation, and the effectiveness of medical treatment.