Heart diseases are on the rise all over the world. This is due to changing lifestyles, an increase in the use of pesticides in food products, and unhealthy diets.
Not only this, but there are environmental factors also which affect the quality of life and increase the risk of not only heart disease but also other diseases.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating properly or beats so fast and irregularly that it can’t pump blood to the other parts of the body. This is very serious because the brain needs oxygen from blood all the time. Without it, a person can become unconscious, stop breathing, and die within minutes. It often strikes without warning, which is why it’s called sudden cardiac arrest.
During cardiac arrest:
- The person may collapse suddenly
- They won’t respond when you talk to or shake them
- They may stop breathing or gasp
- They will have no pulse
This is not the same as a heart attack, which happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. However, a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
Why Is Cardiac Arrest So Dangerous?
When the heart stops pumping, oxygen can’t get to the brain or body. This causes permanent brain damage in just 4 to 5 minutes and death in less than 10 minutes if no help is given.
But here’s the good news: Quick action — like starting CPR (chest compressions) and using a defibrillator (AED) — can bring the person back to life and help them survive with fewer complications. In Dubai, call 998 immediately if someone suddenly collapses or isn’t breathing.
What Are the Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest often happens without any warning signs. A person may look completely fine one moment, then collapse the next. However, in some cases, there are signs that something is wrong before the heart stops. Most of the time, cardiac arrest happens with no warning. But sometimes, right before it happens, a person might feel:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Pounding or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling weak or tired
- Suddenly fainting or collapsing
What Causes Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is usually caused by a problem in the heart’s electrical system, which controls how the heart beats. When the signals get scrambled or blocked, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or not at all. The most dangerous rhythm is called ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) — the heart’s lower chambers shake instead of pumping blood.
Common causes include:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart muscle diseases (cardiomyopathy)
- Inherited conditions (like Brugada syndrome or Long QT syndrome)
- Drug use (especially stimulants like cocaine)
- Severe bleeding or trauma
- Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)
Who’s at Risk of Cardiac Arrest?
Some people are more likely than others to have cardiac arrest, especially if they already have heart problems or a family history of them. Even young people can be at risk if they have inherited heart conditions or use certain drugs. You’re at higher risk if you:
- Had a previous cardiac arrest or have a family history of one
- Have a heart condition from birth
- Have irregular heartbeats or faint often
- Have heart valve disease
- Have diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure
- Take certain medications that affect the heart’s rhythm
- Have low levels of key minerals in your blood
People with stressful lifestyles, poor diets, or limited exercise may be more at risk.
What Happens If You Survive?
If a person survives cardiac arrest, they may face a long road to recovery. Because the brain was without oxygen, they could have serious problems afterward. Recovery depends on how quickly CPR and treatment were started. Surviving cardiac arrest is possible, but it’s only the beginning of recovery. Many survivors face:
- Memory loss or confusion
- Trouble walking, talking, or swallowing
- Muscle weakness or poor coordination
- Fatigue
- Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
This happens because the brain may have been without oxygen for too long. Rehabilitation programs in Dubai hospitals can help people regain strength and skills.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Cardiac arrest is usually diagnosed by what’s happening in the moment — not through lab tests. Emergency responders or doctors will check if the person is:
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Unconsciousness
Once the person is revived, doctors may run tests to find out why it happened, including:
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Blood tests
- Heart scans (MRI or echocardiogram)
- Electrophysiology studies to check the heart’s electrical system
How Is It Treated?
Cardiac arrest must be treated immediately. Every second counts. If you see someone collapse and stop breathing, here’s what to do
What to do immediately in case of Cardiac Arrest Case:
- Call 998 (Dubai Ambulance) or any other call emergency number.
- Start CPR — push hard and fast in the centre of the chest
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available (many malls, parks, and gyms in Dubai have them)
Even if CPR saves a life, it can cause:
- Broken ribs or bruising
- Soreness in the chest
- Damage to internal organs
But these are minor compared to the danger of not doing anything.
Can It Be Prevented?
Yes. Cardiac arrest can often be prevented by knowing your risk and taking care of your heart.
Prevention steps:
- Get regular heart checkups, especially if you have a family history
- Manage health issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
- Don’t smoke or use drugs
- Eat heart-healthy food (fruits, vegetables, less fried food)
- Stay active — walk, swim, or play sports
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid high stress
Key Takeaways
Cardiac arrest is a race against time. Every second counts. If you see someone collapse or stop breathing, you don’t need to be a doctor to help — you just need to call 998, start CPR, and use an AED if you can. Learning these steps can help you save a life — maybe even someone you may know.