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Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately.
Dignity Health’s heart care services range from prevention and chronic disease management to advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments, always with the goal of keeping your heart beating strong. Our specialized and coordinated heart care program uses the latest cardiac interventional treatments, as well as state-of-the-art operating rooms.
To learn more about cardiac arrest in Southern California, Find a Doctor today. Trust us to be ready with the medical expertise you need.
The signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest are very clear:
A common cause of cardiac arrest is an arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation. This occurs when the large chambers of the heart (the ventricles) stop beating rhythmically. Without a strong contraction by the ventricles, oxygen-rich blood cannot reach the tissues — including the brain and the heart. The heart will eventually stop beating. Ventricular tachycardia, which occurs when the heart beats too fast to sustain a rhythm, also can cause cardiac arrest.
Signs and symptoms of an arrhythmia that can precede cardiac arrest include:
Arrhythmias that induce cardiac arrest can be caused by a variety of factors including:
The treatment and prevention of cardiac arrest depends on the cause. Someone in cardiac arrest may survive with immediate treatment.
Treatment of cardiac arrest includes:
To prevent possible cardiac arrest, you should:
Dignity Health provides specialized care for cardiovascular conditions, including cardiac arrest, in Southern California.