The correct spelling for when the heart suddenly stops beating is "heart arrest," with the "s" being unnecessary. This is because the word "arrest" is already a countable noun and does not require an additional plural marker. The phonetic transcription for "heart arrest" is /hɑrt əˈrɛst/, with the stress falling on the second syllable. Sudden "heart arrests" can be life-threatening, and it is important to seek immediate medical attention if one suspects they or someone around them is experiencing one.
Heart arrest, also known as cardiac arrest, refers to a sudden cessation of the heart's ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body. It is a profound medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention, as it can result in the loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and ultimately death if not promptly treated. During a heart arrest, the heart stops beating or beats irregularly, preventing it from supplying oxygen and vital nutrients to the brain and other organs.
Heart arrests often occur due to an electrical malfunction within the heart, leading to abnormal heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. Other potential causes include heart attack, coronary artery disease, structural abnormalities, drug overdose, or trauma. Several risk factors for heart arrests have been identified, including a history of heart disease, previous heart attack, family history of heart conditions, obesity, smoking, and certain medications.
Immediate intervention is essential to increase the chances of survival during a heart arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated to manually circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body until a defibrillator can be utilized to deliver an electrical shock to the heart in an attempt to restore its normal rhythm. Prompt medical response and access to advanced cardiac life support measures, such as medication administration and intubation, are crucial to restore the heart's function and prevent further damage. Survival rates for heart arrests can vary significantly depending on the timely initiation of appropriate interventions and the patient's overall health condition.