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Cardiac Arrest Claims Half a Million Lives in US Annually

Prompt treatment can save lives. Learn the signs and how to act fast.

In this image, I can see a first aid plaster on the body of a person. There is a blurred...
In this image, I can see a first aid plaster on the body of a person. There is a blurred background.

Cardiac Arrest Claims Half a Million Lives in US Annually

Cardiac arrest, a severe heart condition, claims over half a million lives in the US annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. Prompt treatment, including CPR and defibrillation, can boost survival chances. This condition occurs when the heart stops beating due to an irregular heartbeat, with symptoms ranging from dizziness to collapse.

Cardiac arrest is a serious heart condition that requires immediate attention. It's caused by an arrhythmia, where the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly, leading to a lack of blood flow and consciousness. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Two common types of arrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest are ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation.

Risk factors for cardiac arrest include coronary heart disease, a large heart, irregular heart valves, congenital heart disease, and electrical impulse problems. Diagnosis involves an electrocardiogram to identify the abnormal heart rhythm. Treatment involves CPR and defibrillation to restart the heart. Recovery time varies widely, depending on the individual's condition, the cause of the arrest, and post-resuscitation care.

Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. Prompt treatment can significantly improve survival chances. Long-term treatment may involve medication, surgery, exercise, and dietary changes to prevent future cardiac arrests. If you suspect someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, call emergency services immediately and begin CPR if trained to do so.

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