Cardiac Arrhythmia
The heart’s electrical system regulates the rhythm and rate of heartbeats. Any dysfunction within this system can lead to a heartbeat that is either too fast, too slow, or irregular. This condition is known as cardiac arrhythmia, which is commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest.
Severe Bleeding or Shock
A significant drop in blood pressure can result in shock, a critical condition where the heart may cease to beat effectively, leading to insufficient blood flow to the brain. This can potentially result in loss of consciousness or death if not treated promptly.
Electrolyte Disorders
Electrolytes are essential minerals and salts required by the body to function correctly. Examples include potassium, calcium, and sodium. Various factors can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as heatstroke, renal failure, and certain medications. It is important to highlight that if an electrolyte disturbance occurs, the heart muscle cells may become unable to contract, leading to cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Scarring
Cardiac hypertrophy or scarring is one of the more frequent causes of ventricular arrhythmias. The heart may develop scars due to several factors, including myocardial infarction. Notably, the first six months following a heart attack represent a critical period for the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, especially in patients with atherosclerosis.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly among individuals suffering from heart failure. Several causes contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy, including hypertension and heart valve diseases.
Vascular Defects
The release of adrenaline during intense physical activity is a major trigger for cardiac arrest in individuals with congenital vascular abnormalities. However, it is worth mentioning that such occurrences are relatively rare.
Additional Causes
Other notable causes of cardiac arrest include:
- Coronary artery disease: This is one of the leading causes of cardiac arrest in individuals over 35 years of age.
- Use of illicit drugs.
- Brugada syndrome.
- Marfan syndrome: This genetic disorder can lead to the dilation of parts of the heart muscle, resulting in weakness.
Risk Factors
Several factors can elevate the risk of experiencing cardiac arrest, including:
- A history of a prior cardiac arrest.
- Smoking.
- Increasing age.
- Gender: Men are generally more susceptible to cardiac arrest compared to women.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- Hypertension.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Elevated cholesterol levels.
- Nutrition-related disorders, such as low potassium or magnesium levels.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- A family history of coronary artery disease.