sydänpysähdyksessä

Sydänpysähdys, known in English as cardiac arrest, is a sudden and abrupt loss of heart function. It occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating effectively, which in turn stops blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

The most common cause of cardiac arrest is an electrical disturbance in the heart. This can be due to arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, which disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. Other underlying conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, and certain genetic heart conditions. Non-cardiac causes can include severe trauma, drowning, drug overdose, or a severe allergic reaction.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest are typically sudden and dramatic. They include an abrupt loss of consciousness, absence of breathing or abnormal gasping, and no pulse. A person experiencing cardiac arrest will collapse and become unresponsive.

Immediate action is crucial for survival. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase the chances of survival. CPR helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other organs until professional medical help arrives. An AED can deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heart rhythm if one is present. Emergency medical services should be contacted immediately.

The prognosis for cardiac arrest depends on several factors, including the cause of the arrest, how quickly CPR and defibrillation are administered, and the patient's overall health. Survival rates are generally low, but early intervention can drastically improve outcomes.