Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating and cannot pump blood to the rest of the body.
What is cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating and cannot pump blood to the rest of the body. If the heart stops for any reason, blood is no longer getting to the brain, heart and vital organs. Death can occur within minutes.
Many people confuse the terms cardiac arrest and heart attack. They are not the same.
Learn about the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?
Common symptoms of cardiac arrest include:
- Dizziness
- Sudden collapse
- Trouble breathing
- No response to touch and sound
- Blue discolouration of the face
What are the causes of cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrests are often caused by abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. Other causes include:
- Coronary heart disease
- Heart attack
- Congenital heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Electrocution, drowning, choking, trauma, respiratory distress
- Use of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine
What should I do if I witness a cardiac arrest?
During a cardiac arrest emergency, do the following right away:
- Call 9-1-1.
- Yell for an automated external defibrillator (AED). While you do CPR, someone else can fetch an AED if available. AED’s are often in public places. The 9-1-1 operator may be able to tell you where the nearest one is.
- Start CPR. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest.
- Don’t be afraid of doing it wrong. Doing CPR -- even if not perfectly -- gives the victim the best chance. You can’t hurt. You can only help.
Resources
- Heart and Stroke Foundation: Cardiac arrest
Get more information on the signs and causes of cardiac arrest. - Heart and Stroke Foundation: Emergency signs
Know what to do if you experience signs of cardiac arrest or a heart attack. - Heart and Stroke Foundation: Learn CPR
Learn life-saving skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).