A cardiac arrest, also known as cardiorespiratory arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest or circulatory arrest, is the abrupt cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the heart to contract effectively during systole.^[1] The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) is a coding of diseases and signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or diseases, as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). ... // I00-I99 - Diseases of the circulatory system (I00-I02) Acute rheumatic fever (I00) Rheumatic fever without mention of heart involvement (I01) Rheumatic fever with heart involvement (I02) Rheumatic chorea (I05-I09) Chronic rheumatic heart diseases (I05) Rheumatic mitral valve diseases (I050) Mitral stenosis (I051) Rheumatic mitral insufficiency (I06) Rheumatic aortic... The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (most commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) provides codes to classify diseases and a wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. ... The following is a list of codes for International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... The heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... Ventricular systole The parts of a QRS complex. ...

A cardiac arrest is different from (but may be caused by) a heart attack or myocardial infarction, where blood flow to the still-beating heart is interrupted. Heart attack redirects here. ...

"Arrested" blood circulation prevents delivery of oxygen to all parts of the body. Cerebral hypoxia, or lack of oxygen supply to the brain, causes victims to lose consciousness and to stop normal breathing, although agonal breathing may still occur. Brain injury is likely if cardiac arrest is untreated for more than 5 minutes,^[2] although new treatments such as induced hypothermia have begun to extend this time.^[3][4] To improve survival and neurological recovery immediate response is paramount.^[5] This article is about the chemical element and its most stable form, or dioxygen. ... Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. ... Unconsciousness is the absence of consciousness. ... Respiratory arrest is the cessation of the normal tidal flow of the lungs due to paralysis of the diaphragm, collapse of the lung or any number of respiratory failures. ... Agonal respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by shallow, slow (3-4 per minute), irregular inspirations followed by irregular pauses. ... Hypothermia being induced by using water circulated through heat-conducting pads Induced hypothermia (also known as therapeutic hypothermia) is the intentional induction of hypothermia for medical purposes. ...

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that, in certain groups of patients, is potentially reversible if treated early enough (See "Reversible causes" below). When unexpected cardiac arrest leads to death this is called sudden cardiac death (SCD).^[1] The primary first-aid treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as CPR) which provides circulatory support until availability of definitive medical treatment, which will vary dependant on the rhythm the heart is exhibiting, but often requires defibrillation. {{Otheruses4|the medical term|the Australian television series|Medical Emergenc an immediate threat to a persons life or long term health. ... A patient having his blood pressure taken by a doctor. ... A cardiac arrest is the cessation of normal circulation of the blood due to failure of the ventricles of the heart to contract effectively during systole. ... CPR redirects here. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ...

Characteristics and diagnosis

Cardiac arrest is an abrupt cessation of pump function (evidenced by absence of a palpable pulse) of the heart that with prompt intervention could be reversed, but without it will lead to death.^[1]

However, due to inadequate cerebral perfusion, the patient will be unconscious and will have stopped breathing. The main diagnostic criterion to diagnose a cardiac arrest (as opposed to respiratory arrest, which shares many of the same features) is lack of circulation, however there are a number of ways of determining this. Look up Unconscious in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Breathing transports oxygen into the body and carbon dioxide out of the body. ... Respiratory arrest is the cessation of the normal tidal flow of the lungs due to paralysis of the diaphragm, collapse of the lung or any number of respiratory failures. ... The word circulation can mean the following: The transport of blood through the circulatory system. ...

In many cases, lack of carotid pulse is the gold standard for diagnosing cardiac arrest, but lack of a pulse (particularly in the peripheral pulses) may be a result of other conditions (e.g. shock), or simply an error on the part of the rescuer. Studies have shown that rescuers often make a mistake when checking the carotid pulse in an emergency, whether they are healthcare professionals^[6][7] or lay persons.^[8] For other uses, see Pulse (disambiguation). ... In medicine, a gold standard test is the diagnostic test that is regarded as definitive in determining whether an individual has a disease process. ... Shock is a serious medical condition where the tissue perfusion is insufficient to meet the required supply of oxygen and nutrients. ...

Owing to the inaccuracy in this method of diagnosis, some bodies such as the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) have de-emphasised its importance. The Resuscitation Council (UK), in line with the ERC's recommendations and those of the American Heart Association,^[9] have suggested that the technique should be used only by healthcare professionals with specific training and expertise, and even then that it should be viewed in conjunction with other indicators such as agonal respiration.^[10] Agonal respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by shallow, slow (3-4 per minute), irregular inspirations followed by irregular pauses. ...

Various other methods for detecting circulation have been proposed. Guidelines following the 2000 International Liaison Committee on Resusciation (ILCOR) recommendations were for rescuers to look for "signs of circulation", but not specifically the pulse ^[9]. These signs included coughing, gasping, colour, twitching and movement.^[11] However, in face of evidence that these guidelines were ineffective, the current recommendation of ILCOR is that cardiac arrest should be diagnosed in all casualties who are unconscious and not breathing normally.^[9]

Following initial diagnosis of cardiac arrest, healthcare professionals further categorise the diagnosis based on the ECG/EKG rhythm. There are 4 rhythms which result in a cardiac arrest. Ventricular fibrillation (VF/VFib) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) are both responsive to a defibrillator and so are colloquially referred to as "shockable" rhythms, whereas asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) are non-shockable. The nature of the presenting hearth rhythm suggests different causes and treatment, and is used to guide the rescuer as to what treatment may be appropriate^[10] (see Advanced life support and Advanced cardiac life support, as well as the causes of arrest below). “QRS” redirects here. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ... Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT) is a fast rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles of the heart. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Pulseless Electrical Activity is a phenomenon where the heart still conducts the electrical impulses required to stimulate the heart, but the heart muscle does not contract enough to produce an output. ... Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a treatment consensus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest and related medical problems, as agreed in Europe by the European Resuscitation Council, most recently in 2005. ... Advanced cardiac life support or (ACLS) refers to a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions. ...

Causes of cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is synonymous with Clinical death. All disease processes leading to death have a period of (potentially) reversible cardiac arrest: the causes of arrest are, therefore, numerous. However, many of these conditions, rather than causing an arrest themselves, promote one of the "Reversible causes" (see below), which then triggers the arrest (e.g. choking leads to hypoxia which in turn leads to an arrest). In some cases, the underlying mechanism cannot be overcome, leading to an unsuccessful resuscitation. Clinical death occurs when a patients heartbeat and breathing have stopped. ... For choking meaning compression of the neck, see Strangling. ... Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. ...

Among adults, ischemic heart disease is the predominant cause of arrest.^[12] At autopsy 30% of victims show signs of recent myocardial infarction^{[citation needed]}. Other cardiac conditions potentially leading to arrest include structural abnormalities, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies. Non-cardiac causes include infections, overdoses, trauma and cancer, in addition to many others. Ischaemic heart disease is a disease characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. ... This article is about the medical procedure. ... Heart attack redirects here. ...

Reversible causes

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including adjunctive measures such as defibrillation, intubation and drug administration, is the standard of care for initial treatment of cardiac arrest. However, most cardiac arrests occur for a reason, and unless that reason can be found and overcome, CPR is often ineffective, or if it does result in a return of spontaneous circulation, this is short lived. ^[10]. As highlighted above, a variety of disease processes can lead to a cardiac arrest, however they usually boil down to one or more of the "Hs and Ts".^[13][14][15] CPR redirects here. ...

H's

• Hypovolemia - A lack of circulating body fluids, principally blood volume. This is usually (though not exclusively) caused by some form of bleeding, anaphylaxis, or pregnancy with gravid uterus. Peri-arrest treatment includes giving IV fluids and blood transfusions, and controlling the source of any bleeding - by direct pressure for external bleeding, or emergency surgical techniques such as esophageal banding, gastroesophageal balloon tamponade (for treatment of massive GI bleeding such as in esophageal varices), thoracotomy in cases of penetrating trauma or significant shear forces applied to the chest, or exploratory laparotomy in cases of penetrating trauma, spontaneous rupture of major blood vessels, or rupture of a hollow viscus in the abdomen.
• Hypoxia - A lack of oxygen delivery to the heart, brain and other vital organs. Rapid assessment of airway patency and respiratory effort must be performed. If the patient is mechanically ventilated, the presence of breath sounds and the proper placement of the endotracheal tube should be verified. Treatment may include providing oxygen, proper ventilation, and good CPR technique. In cases of carbon monoxide poisoning or cyanide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen may be employed after the patient is stabilized.
• Hydrogen ions (Acidosis) - An abnormal pH in the body as a result of lactic acidosis which occurs in prolonged hypoxia and in severe infection, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure causing uremia, or ingestion of toxic agents or overdose of pharmacological agents, such as aspirin and other salicylates, ethanol, ethylene glycol and other alcohols, tricyclic antidepressants, isoniazid, or iron sulfate. This can be treated with proper ventilation, good CPR technique, buffers like sodium bicarbonate, and in select cases may require emergent hemodialysis.
• Hyperkalemia or Hypokalemia - Both excess and inadequate potassium can be life-threatening. A common presentation of hyperkalemia is in the patient with end-stage renal disease who has missed a dialysis appointment and presents with weakness, nausea, and broad QRS complexes on the electrocardiogram. (Note however that patients with chronic kidney disease are often more tolerant of high potassium levels as their body often adapts to it.) The electrocardiogram will show tall, peaked T waves (often larger than the R wave) or can degenerate into a sine wave as the QRS complex widens. Immediate initial therapy is the administration of calcium, either as calcium gluconate or calcium chloride. This stabilizes the electrochemical potential of cardiac myocytes, thereby preventing the development of fatal arrhythmias. This is, however, only a temporizing measure. Other temporizing measures may include nebulized albuterol, intravenous insulin (usually given in combination with glucose, and sodium bicarbonate, which all temporarily drive potassium into the interior of cells. Definitive treatment of hyperkalemia requires actual excretion of potassium, either through urine (which can be facilitated by administration of loop diuretics such as furosemide) or in the stool (which is accomplished by giving sodium polystyrene sulfonate enterally, where it will bind potassium in the GI tract.) Severe cases will require emergent hemodialysis. The diagnosis of hypokalemia (not enough potassium) can be suspected when there is a history of diarrhoea or malnutrition. Loop diuretics may also contribute. The electrocardiogram may show flattening of T waves and prominent U waves. Hypokalemia is an important cause of acquired long QT syndrome, and may predispose the patient to torsades de pointes. Digitalis use may increase the risk that hypokalemia will produce life threatening arrhythmias. Hypokalemia is especially dangerous in patients with ischemic heart disease.
• Hypothermia - A low core body temperature, defined clinically as a temperature of less than 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The patient is re-warmed either by using a cardiac bypass or by irrigation of the body cavities (such as thorax, peritoneum, bladder) with warm fluids; or warmed IV fluids. CPR only is given until the core body temperature reached 30 degrees Celsius, as defibrillation is ineffective at lower temperatures. Patients have been known to be successfully resuscitated after periods of hours in hypothermia and cardiac arrest, and this has given rise to the often-quoted medical truism, "You're not dead until you're warm and dead."
• Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia - Low blood glucose from overdose of oral hypoglycemics such as sulfonylureas, or overdose of insulin. Rare endocrine disorders can also cause unexpected hypoglycemia. Generally, hyperglycemia is itself not fatal, however DKA will cause pH to drop, and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma leads to a severely hypovolemic state. Hypoglycemia is corrected rapidly by intravenous administration of concentrated glucose (typically 25 ml of 50% glucose in adults, but in children 25% glucose is used, and in neonates 10% glucose is used.) However, the patient will often require a continuous intravenous drip until the causative agent is completely metabolized. In DKA, the goal is correction of acidosis. In NKH, the goal is adequate fluid resuscitation.

In physiology and medicine, hypovolemia (also hypovolaemia) is a state of decreased blood volume; more specifically, decrease in volume of blood plasma. ... Bodily fluids are fluids, which are generally excreted or secreted from the human body. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Bleeding (disambiguation). ... Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system) and severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other mammals. ... This article is about human pregnancy in biological females. ... For other uses, see Cardiac arrest (disambiguation). ... Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of liquid substances directly into a vein. ... Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... For other uses, see Bleeding (disambiguation). ... In medicine (gastroenterology), esophageal varices are extreme dilations of sub mucosal veins in the mucosa of the esophagus in diseases featuring portal hypertension, secondary to cirrhosis primarily. ... Thoracotomy is a surgical incision into the chest. ... Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. ... This article is about the chemical element and its most stable form, or dioxygen. ... The heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... For other uses, see Brain (disambiguation). ... The Vital organs are the internal organs of the human body necessary to maintain life. ... CPR redirects here. ... Carbon monoxide, with the chemical formula CO, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. ... This article is about the chemical compound. ... Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a higher than atmospheric pressure. ... This article is about the chemistry of hydrogen. ... For acidosis referring to acidity of the urine, see renal tubular acidosis. ... Lactic acidosis is a condition caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the body. ... Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is a life-threatening complication in patients with untreated diabetes mellitus (chronic high blood sugar or hyperglycemia). ... Renal failure or kidney failure is a situation in which the kidneys fail to function adequately. ... Uremia is a toxic condition resulting from renal failure, when kidney function is compromised and urea, a waste product normally excreted in the urine, is retained in the blood. ... This article is about the drug. ... Salicylic acid is a colorless, crystalline organic carboxylic acid. ... Grain alcohol redirects here. ... Ethylene glycol (monoethylene glycol (MEG), IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol) is an alcohol with two -OH groups (a diol), a chemical compound widely used as an automotive antifreeze. ... In general usage, alcohol (from Arabic al-khwl الكحول, or al-ghawl الغول) refers almost always to ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, and often to any beverage that contains ethanol (see alcoholic beverage). ... Chemical structure of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of antidepressant drugs first used in the 1950s. ... Isoniazid (also called isonicotinyl hydrazine or isonicotinic acid hydrazide); abbreviated INH or just H. Isoniazid is a first-line antituberculous medication used in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. ... Iron(II) sulfate, also known as ferrous sulfate and as copperas (FeSO4) is an example of an ionic compound. ... CPR redirects here. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... It has been suggested that Artificial kidney be merged into this article or section. ... Hyperkalemia is an elevated blood level (above 5. ... Hypokalemia is a potentially fatal condition in which the body fails to retain sufficient potassium to maintain health. ... Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a slowly progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years and defined as an abnormally low glomerular filtration rate, which usually determined indirectly by the creatinine level in blood serum. ... In medicine, dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy which is used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. ... Weakness can mean: The opposite of strength Weakness (medical) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... For other uses, see Nausea (disambiguation). ... The QRS complex is a record of the measurement of the movement of electrical impulses through the lower heart chambers (ventricles). ... “QRS” redirects here. ... Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease, is a progressive loss of renal function over a period of months or years through five stages. ... “QRS” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... Calcium lactate gluconate is a soluble salt often used in effervescent calcium tablets. ... R-phrases S-phrases , , Related Compounds Other anions calcium fluoride calcium bromide calcium iodide Other cations magnesium chloride strontium chloride Supplementary data page Structure and properties n, εr, etc. ... A nebulizer with an attached inhaling apparatus In medicine, a nebulizer is a device used to administer medication to people in forms of a liquid mist to the airways. ... Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN) is a short-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and COPD. It is marketed by the Allen & Hanburys respiratory division of GlaxoSmithKline under the trade name Ventolin. ... Not to be confused with inulin. ... Glucose (Glc), a monosaccharide (or simple sugar), is an important carbohydrate in biology. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ... Furosemide (INN) or frusemide (former BAN) is a loop diuretic used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and edema. ... Polystyrene sulfonate Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a type of polymer and ionomer based on polystyrene. ... It has been suggested that Artificial kidney be merged into this article or section. ... Hypokalemia is a potentially fatal condition in which the body fails to retain sufficient potassium to maintain health. ... General Name, symbol, number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, period, block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Standard atomic weight 39. ... Diarrhoea is the correct way to spell the word Diarrhoea. ... Percentage of population affected by malnutrition by country, according to United Nations statistics. ... This illustration shows where some types of diuretics act, and what they do. ... “QRS” redirects here. ... Hypokalemia is a potentially fatal condition in which the body fails to retain sufficient potassium to maintain health. ... The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a heart disease in which there is an abnormally long delay between the electrical excitation (or depolarization) and relaxation (repolarization) of the ventricles of the heart. ... Torsades de pointes or torsades is a French term that literally means twisting of the points. It refers to a specific variety of ventricular tachycardia and its name is derived from a maneuver in ballet. ... Species About 20 species, including: Digitalis cariensis Digitalis ciliata Digitalis davisiana Digitalis dubia Digitalis ferruginea Digitalis grandiflora Digitalis laevigata Digitalis lanata Digitalis leucophaea Digitalis lutea Digitalis obscura Digitalis parviflora Digitalis purpurea Digitalis thapsi Digitalis trojana Digitalis viridiflora Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and... Hypokalemia is a potentially fatal condition in which the body fails to retain sufficient potassium to maintain health. ... A cardiac arrhythmia, also called cardiac dysrhythmia, is a disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat. ... Ischaemic heart disease is a disease characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. ... Hypothermia is a condition in which an organisms temperature drops below that Required fOr normal metabolism and Bodily functionS. In warm-blooded animals, core [[body Temperature]] is maintained nEar a constant leVel through biologic [[homEostasis]]. But wheN the body iS exposed to cold Its internal mechanismS may be unable... Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when temperature surrounding is very different. ... For other uses, see Temperature (disambiguation). ... A heart-lung machine (upper right) in a coronary artery bypass surgery. ... IV may refer to: The Roman number for four — meaning one (I) less than five (V). ... For other meanings of CPR, see CPR (disambiguation). ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... A truism is a claim that is so obvious or self-evident as to be hardly worth mentioning, except as a reminder or as a rhetorical or literary device. ... Hypoglycemia (hypoglycaemia in British English) is a medical term referring to a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. ... Hyperglycemia, hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar is a condition in which an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood plasma. ... An anti-diabetic drug or oral hypoglycemic agent is used to treat diabetes mellitus. ... Sulfonylurea derivatives are a class of antidiabetic drugs that are used in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 (adult-onset). They act by increasing insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas. ... Not to be confused with inulin. ... Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) is a life-threatening complication in patients with untreated diabetes mellitus (chronic high blood sugar or hyperglycemia). ... Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma is a type of diabetic coma associated with a high mortality seen in diabetes mellitus type 2. ...

T's

• Tablets or Toxins - Tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cocaine, digoxin, aspirin, acetominophen. This may be evidenced by items found on or around the patient, the patient's medical history (i.e. drug abuse, medication) taken from family and friends, checking the medical records to make sure no interacting drugs were prescribed, or sending blood and urine samples to the toxicology lab for report. Treatment may include specific antidotes, fluids for volume expansion, vasopressors, sodium bicarbonate (for tricyclic antidepressants), glucagon or calcium (for calcium channel blockers), benzodiazepines (for cocaine), or cardiopulmonary bypass. Herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications should also be considered.
• Cardiac Tamponade - Blood or other fluids building up in the pericardium can put pressure on the heart so that it is not able to beat. This condition can be recognized by the presence of a narrowing pulse pressure, muffled heart sounds, distended neck veins, electrical alternans on the electrocardiogram, or by visualization on echocardiogram. This is treated in an emergency by inserting a needle into the pericardium to drain the fluid (pericardiocentesis), or if the fluid is too thick then a subxiphoid window is performed to cut the pericardium and release the fluid.
• Tension pneumothorax - The build-up of air into one of the pleural cavities, which causes a mediastinal shift. When this happens, the great vessels (particularly the superior vena cava) become kinked, which limits blood return to the heart. The condition can be recognized by severe air hunger, hypoxia, jugular venous distension, hyperressonance to percussion on the effected side, and a tracheal shift away from the effected side. The tracheal shift often requires a chest x-ray to appreciate (although treatment should be initiated prior to obtaining a chest x-ray if this condition is suspected. ) This is relieved in by a needle thoracotomy (inserting a needle catheter) into the 2nd intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line, which relieves the pressure in the pleural cavity.
• Thrombosis (Myocardial infarction) - If the patient can be successfully resuscitated, there is a chance that the myocardial infarction can be treated, either with thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention.
• Thromboembolism (Pulmonary embolism) - hemodynamically significant pulmonary emboli are generally massive and typically fatal. Administration of thrombolytics can be attempted, and some specialized centers may perform thrombolectomy, however, prognosis is generally poor.
• Trauma (Hypovolemia) - Reduced blood volume from acute injury or primary damage to the heart or great vessels. Cardiac arrest secondary to trauma, particularly blunt trauma, has a very poor prognosis.

Checking respiration.

Checking carotid pulse.

Insulfation mouth-to-mouth.

For other meanings please see Tablet (disambiguation) Common disk-shaped pills A pharmacological tablet is a medicinal or other active substance mixed with binder powders and pressed into a tablet form. ... For a list of biologically injurious substances, including toxins and other materials, as well as their effects, see poison. ... Chemical structure of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. ... Phenothiazines are the largest of the 5 main classes of antipsychotic drugs. ... Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases. ... Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs and natural substances with effects on many excitable cells of the body, like the muscle of the heart, smooth muscles of the vessels or neuron cells. ... For other uses, see Cocaine (disambiguation). ... Digoxin (INN) (IPA: ) is a purified cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata. ... This article is about the drug. ... Acetaminophen (USAN) or paracetamol (INN), is a popular analgesic and antipyretic drug that is used for the relief of fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. ... Medical records refer to records, either in paper or electronic form, of the results of medical tests, diagnoses and treatments for individuals. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... This article is about the urine of animals generally. ... Toxicology (from the Greek words toxicos and logos [1]) is the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms [2]. It is the study of symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and detection of poisoning, especially the poisoning of people. ... An antidote is a substance which can counteract a form of poisoning. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... Chemical structure of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. ... Glucagon ball and stick model A microscopic image stained for glucagon. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... Calcium channel blockers are a class of drugs and natural substances with effects on many excitable cells of the body, like the muscle of the heart, smooth muscles of the vessels or neuron cells. ... Alprazolam 2 mg tablets The benzodiazepines (pronounced , often abbreviated to benzos) are a class of sedative hypnotic psychoactive drugs with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are mediated by slowing down the central nervous system. ... For other uses, see Cocaine (disambiguation). ... A Heart-Lung Machine (upper right) in a Coronary Artery Bypass surgery (CABG) Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. ... Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade, is a medical emergency condition where liquid accumulates in the pericardium in a relatively short time. ... The pericardium is a double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels. ... Pulse pressure is the change in blood pressure seen during a contraction of the heart. ... Front of thorax, showing surface relations of bones, lungs (purple), pleura (blue), and heart (red outline). ... Electrical alternans is an electrocardiographic phenomenon of alternation of QRS complex amplitude or axis between beats. ... “QRS” redirects here. ... The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. ... The pericardium is a double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels. ... In medicine, pericardiocentesis is a procedure where fluid is aspirated from the pericardium (the sac enveloping the heart). ... A tension pneumothorax is a life threatening condition that results from a progressive deterioration and worsening of a simple pneumothorax, associated with the formation of a one-way valve at the point of rupture. ... The lungs are surrounded by two membranes, the pleurae. ... FIG. 967– Transverse section through the upper margin of the second thoracic vertebra The mediastinum is a non-delineated group of structures in the thorax (chest), surrounded by loose connective tissue. ... Great vessels is a term used to refer collectively to the primary blood vessels, which include: Vena cavae Superior vena cava Inferior vena cava Pulmonary artery Pulmonary trunk Right pulmonary artery Left pulmonary artery Pulmonary veins Right superior Right inferior Left superior Left inferior Aorta Category: ... Superior vena cava - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... The heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... Hypoxia is a pathological condition in which the body as a whole (generalised hypoxia) or region of the body (tissue hypoxia) is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. ... In the NATO phonetic alphabet, X-ray represents the letter X. An X-ray picture (radiograph) taken by Röntgen An X-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength approximately in the range of 5 pm to 10 nanometers (corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 PHz... Thoracotomy is a surgical incision into the chest. ... Intercostal spaces, viewed from the left The intercostal space is the space between two ribs (Lat. ... Collarbone and collar bone redirect here. ... The lungs are surrounded by two membranes, the pleurae. ... Thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. ... Heart attack redirects here. ... Heart attack redirects here. ... Thrombolysis is the breakdown (lysis) by pharmacological means, of blood clots. ... Percutaneous coronary intervention is an invasive cardiologic therapeutic procedure to treat narrowed coronary arteries (artery stenosis). ... Thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. ... Thrombolytic drugs are used in medicine to dissolve blood clots in a procedure termed thrombolysis. ... In medicine, a trauma patient has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death. ... In physiology and medicine, hypovolemia (also hypovolaemia) is a state of decreased blood volume; more specifically, decrease in volume of blood plasma. ... The heart and lungs, from an older edition of Grays Anatomy. ... Great vessels is a term used to refer collectively to the primary blood vessels, which include: Vena cavae Superior vena cava Inferior vena cava Pulmonary artery Pulmonary trunk Right pulmonary artery Left pulmonary artery Pulmonary veins Right superior Right inferior Left superior Left inferior Aorta Category: ... In medicine, a trauma patient has suffered serious and life-threatening physical injury resulting in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure and death. ... In medical terminology, blunt trauma, blunt injury, non-penetrating trauma or blunt force trauma refers to a type of physical trauma caused to a bodypart, either by impact, injury or physical attack; the latter usually being referred to as blunt force trauma. ... Prognosis (older Greek πρόγνωσις, modern Greek πρόγνωση - literally fore-knowing, foreseeing) is a medical term denoting the doctors prediction of how a patients disease will progress, and whether there is chance of recovery. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (918x698, 58 KB) Check of the patients respiration : the helper listens to the breath, tries to feel the air flowing on her cheek, the chest going up and down, and see the movements of the chest. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (918x698, 58 KB) Check of the patients respiration : the helper listens to the breath, tries to feel the air flowing on her cheek, the chest going up and down, and see the movements of the chest. ... Image File history File links Carotidian_pulse. ... Image File history File links Carotidian_pulse. ... Download high resolution version (1164x840, 86 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1164x840, 86 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ...

Treatment

Out of hospital arrest

Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur following a myocardial infarction (heart attack), and present initially with a heart rhythm of ventricular fibrillation. The patient is therefore likely to be responsive to defibrillation, and this has become the focus of pre-hospital interventions. Several organisations promote the idea of a "chain of survival", of which defibrillation is a key step. The links are: Heart attack redirects here. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... The chain of survival was developed by the American Heart Association in 1990. ...

• Early recognition - If possible, recognition of illness before the patient develops a cardiac arrest will allow the rescuer to prevent its occurrence. Early recognition that a cardiac arrest has occurred is key to survival - for every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, their chances of survival drop by roughly 10% ^[10]
• Early CPR - This buys time by keeping vital organs perfused with oxygen whilst waiting for equipment and trained personnel to reverse the arrest. In particular, by keeping the brain supplied with oxygenated blood, chances of neurological damage are decreased.
• Early defibrillation - This is the only effective treatment for ventricular fibrillation, and also has benefit in ventricular tachycardia^[10] and should be employed in such cases if the patient has signs of hemodynamic compromise, or if the patient has pulseless ventricular tachycardia. If defibrillation is delayed, then the rhythm is likely to degenerate into asystole, for which outcomes are markedly worse.
• Early advanced care - Early Advanced Cardiac Life Support is the final link in the chain of survival.

If one or more links in the chain are missing or delayed, then the chances of survival drop significantly. In particular, bystander CPR is an important indicator of survival: if it has not been carried out, then resuscitation is associated with very poor results. Paramedics in some jurisdictions are authorised to abandon resuscitation altogether if the early stages of the chain have not been carried out in a timely fashion prior to their arrival. CPR redirects here. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ... Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT) is a fast rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles of the heart. ... In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Advanced cardiac life support or (ACLS) refers to a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions. ...

Because of this, considerable effort has been put into educating the public on the need for CPR. In addition, there is increasing use of public access defibrillation. This involves placing automated external defibrillators in public places, and training key staff in these areas how to use them. This allows defibrillation to take place prior to the arrival of emergency services, and has been shown to lead to increased chances of survival. In addition, it has been shown that those who suffer arrests in remote locations have worse outcomes following cardiac arrest ^[16]: these areas often have first responder schemes, whereby members of the community receive training in resuscitation and are given a defibrillator, and called by the emergency medical services in the case of a collapse in their local area. An automated external defibrillator, open and ready for pads to be attached An Automated External Defibrillator or AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient,[1] and is able to treat them by application... First responder is a term used by national authorities for local law enforcement, local Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), local firemen and fire rescue. ...

Hospital treatment

Treatment within a hospital usually follows advanced life support protocols. In the US, non-traumatic adult resuscitation is described by ACLS(advanced cardiac life support), pediatric resuscitation is described by PALS (pediatric advanced life support), and neonatal resusciation is described by NALS (neonatal advanced life support.) Depending on the diagnosis, various treatments are offered, ranging from defibrillation (for ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia) to surgery (for cardiac arrest which can be reversed by surgery - see causes of arrest, above) to medication (for asystole and PEA). All will include CPR. Advanced Life Support (ALS) is a treatment consensus for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest and related medical problems, as agreed in Europe by the European Resuscitation Council, most recently in 2005. ... Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) is a detailed medical protocol for the provision of lifesaving cardiac care in settings ranging from the pre-hospital environment to the hospital setting. ... Peers Assisting Learning Support (PALS) is a non-profit organization that fosters relationships between students with and without developmental disabilities through one-on-one and group activities. ... Country Italy Region Trentino-South Tyrol Province South Tyrol (BZ) Mayor Elevation 321 m Area 12. ... In general, diagnosis (plural diagnoses) has two distinct dictionary definitions. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ... Ventricular tachycardia (V-tach or VT) is a fast rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles of the heart. ... “Surgeon” redirects here. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Pulseless Electrical Activity is a phenomenon where the heart still conducts the electrical impulses required to stimulate the heart, but the heart muscle does not contract enough to produce an output. ... For other meanings of CPR, see CPR (disambiguation). ...

While specific details may vary, all hospitals have protocols as to how resuscitations should be performed in patients, visitors, or employees who have arrested unexpectedly in the hospital. These protocols are often initiated by a Code Blue, which usually denotes impending or acute onset of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, although in practice, Code Blue is often called in less life-threatening situations that require immediate attention from a physician. Code Blue is a technical, jargon term for medical emergencies in the United States. ... Respiratory failure is a medical term for inadequate gas exchange by the respiratory system. ...

If not already done, a definitive airway will be establish by the placement of an endotracheal tube which is then attached to a mechanical ventilator. Diagram of an endotracheal tube (10) that has been inserted into the airway of a patient. ... A medical ventilator is a device designed to provide mechanical ventilation to a patient. ...

Cardiac arrest is generally divided into two cases: presence of disorganized mechanical cardiac activity, or complete absence of mechanical cardiac activity.

Disorganized mechanical cardiac activity includes ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. This also includes torsade de pointes. These must all be treated primarily with defibrillation. Advanced cardiac life support algorithms also detail the stepwise administration of epinephrine, vasopressin, the antiarrhythmic agent amiodarone, as well as attempts to correct possible underlying causes. Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ... Torsades de pointes is a medical condition, the name of which means in French twisting of the points. It is a potentially deadly form of ventricular tachycardia. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... Adrenaline redirects here. ... RNA expression pattern Orthologs Human Mouse Entrez Ensembl Uniprot Refseq Location Pubmed search Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as vasopressin, argipressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a hormone found in most mammals, including humans. ... Antiarrhythmic agents are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress fast rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. ... Amiodarone belongs to a class of drugs called Vaughan-Williams Class III antiarrhythmic agent. ...

Complete absence of mechanical cardiac activity includes asystole and pulseless electrical activity. This is treated entirely with pharmacologic agents, specifically epinephrine and atropine. However, resuscitation is rarely successful without effective treatment of the underlying cause. In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Pulseless Electrical Activity is a phenomenon where the heart still conducts the electrical impulses required to stimulate the heart, but the heart muscle does not contract enough to produce an output. ... Adrenaline redirects here. ... Atropine is a tropane alkaloid extracted from the deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and other plants of the family Solanaceae. ...

Patients that survive cardiac arrest are said to have return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). When these patients remain comatose, survival and neurologic damage can be improved by cooling patients. Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia can be induced by a variety of methods. The most beneficial protocols are still being determined.

Peri-arrest period

The period (either before or after) surrounding a cardiac arrest is known as the peri-arrest period. During this period the patient is in a highly unstable condition and must be constantly monitored in order to halt the progression or repeat of a full cardiac arrest. The preventative treatment used during the peri-arrest period depends on the causes of the impending arrest and the likelihood such an event occurring. A chord progression, as its name implies, is a series of chords played in an order. ... A 1930 Soviet poster propagating breast care. ...

Prognosis

The out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a worse survival rate (2-8% at discharge and 8-22% on admission), than an in-hospital cardiac arrest (15% at discharge). The principal determining factor is the initially documented rhythm. Patients with VF/VT have 10-15 times more chance of surviving than those suffering from pulseless electrical activity or asystole (as they are sensitive to defibrillation, whereas asystole and PEA are not).^{[citation needed]} Pulseless Electrical Activity is a phenomenon where the heart still conducts the electrical impulses required to stimulate the heart, but the heart muscle does not contract enough to produce an output. ... In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ...

Since mortality in case of OHCA is high, programs were developed to improve survival rate. A study by Bunch et al. showed that, although mortality in case of ventricular fibrillation is high, rapid intervention with a defibrillator increases survival rate to that of patients that did not have a cardiac arrest.^[12][17] This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Survival is mostly related to the cause of the arrest (see above). In particular, patients who have suffered hypothermia have an increased survival rate, possibly because the cold protects the vital organs from the effects of tissue hypoxia. Survival rates following an arrest induced by toxins is very much dependent on identifying the toxin and administering an appropriate antidote. A patient who has suffered a myocardial infarction due to a blood clot in the left coronary artery has a lower chance of survival as it cuts of the blood supply to most of the left ventricle (the chamber which must pump blood to the whole of the systemic circulation). Hypothermia is a condition in which an organisms temperature drops below that Required fOr normal metabolism and Bodily functionS. In warm-blooded animals, core [[body Temperature]] is maintained nEar a constant leVel through biologic [[homEostasis]]. But wheN the body iS exposed to cold Its internal mechanismS may be unable... Heart attack redirects here. ... A thrombus is the final product of blood coagulation, through the aggregation of platelets and the activation of the humoral coagulation system. ... The left coronary artery, also abbreviated LCA, arises from the aorta above the left cusp of the aortic valve. ...

Cobbe et al (1996) conducted a study into survival rates from out of hospital cardiac arrest. 14.6% of those who had received resuscitation by ambulance staff survived as far as admission to an acute hospital ward. Of these, 59.3% died during that admission, half of these within the first 24 hours. 46.1% survived to hospital discharge (this is 6.75% of those who had been resuscitated by ambulance staff), however 97.5% suffered a mild to moderate neurological disability, and 2% suffered a major neurological disability. Of those who were successfully discharged from hospital, 70% were still alive 4 years after their discharge.^[18]

Ballew (1997) performed a review of 68 earlier studies into prognosis following in-hospital cardiac arrest. They found a survival to discharge rate of 14% (this roughly double the rate for out of hospital arrest found by Cobbe et al (see above)), although there was a wide range (0-28%).^[19]

Prevention

With positive outcomes following cardiac arrest so unlikely, a great deal of effort has been spent in finding effective strategies to prevent cardiac arrest.

As noted above, one of the prime causes of cardiac arrest outside of hospital is ischemic heart disease. Vast resources have been put into trying to reduce cardiovascular risks across much of the developed world. In particular schemes have been put in place to promote a healthy diet and exercise. For people considered to be particularly at risk of heart disease, measures such as blood pressure control, prescription of cholesterol lowering medications, and other medico-therapeutic interventions, have been widely used. A magnesium deficiency, or lower levels of magnesium, can contribute to heart disease and a healthy diet that contains adequte magnesium may help prevent heart disease.^[20] Magnesium can be used to enhance long term treatment, so it may be effective in long term prevention. Ischaemic heart disease is a disease characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart. ... A healthy diet is the practice of making choices about what to eat with the intent of improving or maintaining good health. ... The term Exercise can refer to: Physical exercise such as running or strength training Exercise (options), the financial term for enacting and terminating a contract Category: ... A sphygmomanometer, a device used for measuring arterial pressure. ... Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). ... Magnesium deficiency refers to an absolute lack of magnesium, the result of numerous conditions. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... A healthy diet is the practice of making choices about what to eat with the intent of improving or maintaining good health. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ...

Patients in hospital are far less likely to have a cardiac arrest caused of primary cardiac origin, and hence present in asystole or PEA, and have bleak outcomes.^{[citation needed]} Extensive research has shown that patients in general wards often deteriorate for several hours or even days before a cardiac arrest occurs^[10][21]. This has been attributed to a lack of knowledge and skill amongst ward based staff, in particular a failure to carry out measurement of the respiratory rate, which is often the major predictor of a deterioration^[10] and can often change up to 48 hours prior to a cardiac arrest. In response to this, many hospitals now have increased training for ward based staff. A number of "early warning" systems also exist which aim to quantify the risk which patients are at of deterioration based on their vital signs and thus provide a guide to staff. In addition, specialist staff are being utilised more effectively in order to augment the work already being done at ward level. These include: It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Minute volume. ... Vital signs are often taken by health professionals in order to assess the most basic body functions. ...

• Crash teams (also known as code teams) - These are designated staff members who have particular expertise in resuscitation, who are called to the scene of all arrests within the hospital.
• Medical emergency teams - These teams respond to all emergencies, with the aim of treating the patient in the acute phase of their illness in order to prevent a cardiac arrest.
• Critical care outreach - As well as providing the services of the other two types of team, these teams are also responsible for educating non-specialist staff. In addition, they help to facilitate transfers between intensive care/high dependency units and the general hospital wards. This is particularly important, as many studies have shown that a significant percentage of patients discharged from critical care environments quickly deteriorate and are re-admitted - the outreach team offers support to ward staff to prevent this from happening.

ICU room An Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or Critical Care Unit (CCU) is a specialised department in a hospital that provides intensive care medicine. ...

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators

A technologically based intervention to prevent further cardiac arrest episodes is the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This device is implanted in to the patient. They act as an instant defibrillator in the event of arrhythmia. Note that standalone ICDs do not have any pacemaker functions, but they can be combined with a pacemaker, and modern versions also have advanced features such as anti-tachycardic pacing as well as synchronized cardioversion. A recent study by Birnie et al. at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute has demonstrated that ICDs are underused in both the United States and Canada.^[22] An accompanying editorial by Simpson explores some of the economic, geographic, social and political reasons for this.^[23] Patients who are most likely to benefit from the placement of an ICD are those with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy (with systolic ejection fractions less than 30%) as demonstrated by the MADIT-II trial.^[24] ICD An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), also known as an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD), is a small battery powered electrical impulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. ... The term pacemaker has multiple meanings: In sports, a pacemaker or pacer is a competitor who enters an athletics race with little or no intention of winning, but purely to set a fast pace for other competitors to follow. ... Opened left ventricle of heart shows a thickened, dilated left ventricle with subendocardial fibrosis manifested as increased whiteness of endocardium. ...

Ethical issues

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support are not always in a person's best interest. This is particularly true in the case of terminal illnesses when resuscitation will not alter the outcome of the disease. Properly performed CPR often fractures the rib cage, especially in older patients or those suffering from osteoporosis. Defibrillation, especially repeated several times as called for by ACLS protocols, may also cause electrical burns. CPR redirects here. ... Advanced cardiac life support or (ACLS) refers to a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions. ... The human rib cage. ... Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... Advanced cardiac life support or (ACLS) refers to a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest and other life threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions. ...

Some people with a terminal illness choose to avoid such measures and die peacefully. People with views on the treatment they wish to receive in the event of a cardiac arrest should discuss these views with both their doctor and with their family. A patient may ask their doctor to place a do not resuscitate (DNR) order in the medical record. Alternatively, in many jurisdictions, a person may formally state their wishes in an advance directive or advance health directive. This article is about incurable disease. ... A Do Not Resuscitate, or DNR order is a written order from a doctor that resuscitation should not be attempted if a person suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest. ... A Living Will, also called Will to Live, Advance Health Directive, or Advance Health Care Directive, is a specific type of power of attorney or health care proxy or advance directive. ... A Living Will, also called Will to Live, Advance Health Directive, or Advance Health Care Directive, is a specific type of power of attorney or health care proxy or advance directive. ...

See also

• Asystole
• Clinical death
• Death
• Defibrillation
• Myocardial infarction
• Near-death experience
• Ventricular fibrillation

In medicine, asystole is a state of no cardiac electrical activity, hence no contractions of the myocardium and no cardiac output or blood flow. ... Clinical death occurs when a patients heartbeat and breathing have stopped. ... For other uses, see Death (disambiguation). ... Typical view of defibrillation in progress, with the operator at the head, but clear of contact with the patient Defibrillation is the definitive treatment for the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. ... Heart attack redirects here. ... NDE redirects here. ... Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib or VF) is a cardiac condition which consists of a lack of coordination of the contraction of the muscle tissue of the large chambers of the heart that eventually leads to the heart stopping altogether. ...

References

The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ... Lippincott Williams & Wilkins is an academic & professional medical publisher, founded in 1792 and now part of the Wolters Kluwer group. ... The New England Journal of Medicine (New Engl J Med or NEJM) is a peer-reviewed medical journal published by the Massachusetts Medical Society. ... The British Medical Journal (BMJ) is a medical journal published weekly in the United Kingdom by the British Medical Association (BMA)which published its first issue in 1845. ...

External links

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association
• Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
• New Studies Confirm Chest Compressions Alone are Life-saving for Cardiac Arrest
• Cardiac Arrest Videos - Inside Cardiac Arrest