What is a cardiopulmonary arrest?

Answer 1

Is There a Difference Between a Sudden Cardiac Arrest and a Heart Attack? * A heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest are not the same thing. * A heart attack is technically known as myocardial infarction, although a person suffering a heart attack certainly has an increased risk of a sudden cardiac arrest. * The term cardiac arrest is also used to describe the sudden loss of function of the heart, as result of an abrupt disturbance in the heart's rhythm. It can occur in a person with or without Heart disease. The basic difference is summarized below: Who can be affected by Sudden Cardiac Arrest? * People often ask who can be affected by sudden cardiac arrest, anticipating it is the fate of the elderly. Although the frequency and risk of SCA certainly increases with age it can occur without warning or symptoms to anyone, even teenagers. * According to the Australian Resuscitation Council an estimated 30,000 people a year suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Although pre-existing heart disease is a common cause for cardiac arrest, many victims never previously exhibit heart problems. * The survival rate for SCA without immediate treatment is low in the vicinity of 5 to 10 %, whereas survival rates well above 50% have been achieved following successful implementation of CPR and defibrillation, the shorter the time span of treatment the higher the survival rate. Is it possible to reverse the effect of sudden cardiac arrest? Yes, it is entirely possible to reverse the effect of a sudden cardiac arrest, particularly if the unconscious victim receives immediate aid by restoring the circulation with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and delivery of defibrillation to restore the normal heart rhythm. If these life saving measures are delayed the prospect of a complete recovery diminishes. HEART ATTACK Cause: An occlusion or blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the heart - typically the coronary artery. Once the artery is blocked the heart muscle dies as a result of oxygen deprivation, resulting in a heart attack Warning Signs: Chest and arm pain, upper abdomen and jaw pain also common, sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting are all common symptoms Patient Response: Usually remains conscious and alert, usually distressed and anxious. Survival Prospects: Generally good, with appropriate treatment SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST Cause: An abnormal or irregular heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmias) occurs. Instead of the heart beating in a coordinated fashion, the ventricles (lower chambers) quiver or wobble - a process known as ventricular fibrillation, resulting in a cardiac arrest Warning Signs: Sudden collapse, usually no detectable pulse Patient Response: Unconscious and totally unresponsive, usually no pulse, and not breathing Survival Prospects:Generally poor 90+% will die unless CPR and defibrillation is administered within 10 minutes of collapse. Some people simply don't respond to treatment because of underlying medical conditions Page 12, Sensitive Hearts Newsletter Newsletter, Summer 2005-06 Sensitive Hearts is a publication of the Australian Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation. The primary purpose of this publication is for general information only and is not to be used as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
the common language term "heart attack" usually refers to myocardial infarction, not cardiac arrest.

Answer 2

CPR is a manual technique, used in emergencies, to reinstate blood flow to someone suffering from cardiac arrest. The official technique has varied over time in an attempt to maximize efficiency, but generally speaking it involves at least 100 chest compressions per minute in conjunction with artificial respiration.

Answer 3

Cardiopulmonary arrest means that both your heart and lungs have stopped working.