Cardiac arrest is a serious condition where the heart stops beating. Phonetically, the word "cardiac" is pronounced /ˈkɑr.di.æk/, with a hard "c" sound at the beginning, followed by "ar" pronounced as /ɑr/. The final syllable is pronounced as /di.æk/. The entire word is spelled using the Latin word for "heart," "cardia," and "arrest," meaning to stop or hinder. It is important to spell this medical term correctly as it can be a matter of life and death.
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected halt in the normal functioning of the heart, resulting in the cessation of blood flow to all parts of the body. It is a life-threatening emergency that typically occurs due to an electrical disturbance in the heart called ventricular fibrillation, which causes the heart to beat irregularly and rapidly. This erratic heart rhythm disrupts the heart's ability to effectively pump blood, leading to a halt in circulation.
During cardiac arrest, the individual suddenly loses consciousness, stops breathing normally, and there is an absence of a pulse. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to restore the normal rhythm of the heart and prevent permanent damage or death. Prompt initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation, which delivers an electric shock to the heart, are vital initial steps in the treatment of cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest can occur in individuals with underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or arrhythmias, although it can also happen unexpectedly without any known heart problems. Other factors, such as drug overdose, electrocution, drowning, or severe trauma, can also lead to cardiac arrest. It is important to differentiate cardiac arrest from a heart attack, as cardiac arrest refers to the abrupt cessation of heart function, while a heart attack is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.
Overall, cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition characterized by a sudden cessation of normal heart function, necessitating immediate medical intervention to restore circulation and increase the chances of survival.
The word "cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia" meaning "heart". "Arrest", in this context, comes from the Old French word "arester" meaning "to stop or cause to stop". Therefore, the word "cardiac arrest" essentially means the stopping or cessation of the heart's normal function.