Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest

Definition:-
An abrupt loss of cardiac pump function which may b reversible by a prompt intervention, but will lead 2 death in its absence.

Cardiac arrest may result 4m 1 of 4 mechanisms-
1)Ventricular fibrillation
2)Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
3)Ventricular asystole
4)Pulseless electrical activity

**Causes**

§Ventricular fibrillation
  -myocardial ischaemia or infarction
  -Electrocution
  -Hypokalaemia & hyperkalaemia
  -Drugs
§Ventricular asystole
  -Localised failure of conducting tissue
  -Massive myocardial infarction
§Pulseless electrical activity
  -Cardiac rupture
  -Massive pulmo embolism

**Management**

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR):-
Provides artificial ventilation & perfusion 2 vital organs i.e heart & brain until spontaneous cardiopulm function is restored
It encompasses both basic life support & advanced life support
1)Basic life support
indicates manoeuvres which, widout special equipment either prevent circulatory & respi arrest or externally support circulation & venti of victim in arrest
 i)Airway
 ii)Breathing
 iii)Circulation
 iv)Defibrillation
2)Advanced life support
Consists of basic life support & use of special equipment & drugs for establishing & maintaining effective venti & circu
 i)Advanced airway
 ii)Advanced breathing
 iii)Advanced circulation