Sudden cardiac arrest symptoms include sudden loss of consciousness, responsiveness, breathing, and pulse.
This may be preceded by dizziness,shortness of breath, a racing heartbeat, or abnormal breathing.
Some people experience no warning signs at all.
Jaromir Chalabala / EyeEm / Getty Images
Any delay in care increases one’s risk of death.
Nearly 90% of them are fatal.
Symptoms
When sudden cardiac arrest happens, the person usually collapses and stops responding.
The immediate symptoms may include:
If this happens, call for help and start CPR right away.
Is a Cardiac Arrest Painful?
Sudden cardiac arrest itself is not painful because the person loses consciousness almost instantly.
However, if there are warning signs like chest pain beforehand, those can be uncomfortable.
Since the heart stops suddenly, the person is unaware of whats happening.
Some may notice warning signs weeks earlier, but many have no symptoms at all.
See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice warning signs like fainting or chest pain.
These might signal an underlying condition that increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
Do not delay CPR to check for a pulse.
Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest
Early CPR and/or defibrillation is the only way to reverse cardiac arrest.
Speed is of the essence if a person is to survive.
If emergency services arrive and administer defibrillation, survival rates are as high as 49%.
Prevention
To cope with worries about sudden cardiac arrest, focus on what you could control.
Stay informed about your condition and check in with your healthcare provider regularly.
Taking a CPR class and practicing CPR can also ease anxiety by making you feel more prepared.
When it occurs, the person collapses, becomes unresponsive, and stops breathing normally.
Immediate actioncalling 911, starting CPR, and using an AEDcan greatly improve survival chances.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Cardiac arrest symptoms.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Sudden cardiac arrest.
2018;137(12):e67-e-492.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000558
American Heart Association.Heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest symptoms.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Causes and risk factors.
2020;142(suppl 2):s337s357.
doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
American Red Cross Training Services.How to perform CPR - Adult CPR steps.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Cardiac arrest.
2013;84(5):558-563. doi:10.1016/j.resuscitation.2012.10.006
