Get Fast Cardiac Arrest Treatment in Southern California

Cardiac arrest means your heart stops beating completely. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Call 911 if you think you, or someone near you, is experiencing cardiac arrest. If you are unsure, err on the side of safety and call.

At Dignity Health Southern California, nothing matters more to us than matters of the heart. Our highly skilled emergency doctors provide fast diagnosis of cardiac arrest symptoms and offer expert cardiac arrest treatment in Southern California. Visit one of our locations to learn more about our cardiovascular services:

Cardiac Arrest Prevention

Cardiac arrest is often preventable when it stems from an underlying medical condition that can be controlled. An annual medical check-up is a good way to stay on top of your health status and uncover any underlying conditions before they cause serious problems.

In addition, you can take these steps to help reduce your risk of cardiac arrest:

  • Seek medical attention for chest pain or palpitations.
  • Discuss all the medications you take with your doctor — certain drugs can cause arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).
  • Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to avoid developing heart failure, which can lead to cardiac arrest.
  • Treat and monitor heart conditions such as high blood pressure.
  • Get a medical clearance before participating in sports activities.
  • Don’t use illicit drugs. 

Need help reducing your risk? Find a Doctor at Dignity Health and make an appointment today.

Emergency Treatment for Cardiac Arrest

If someone collapses in sudden cardiac arrest, you must take immediate action:

  • Call 911.
  • Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The American Heart Association advocates hands-only CPR. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest.
  • Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) device if one is available. AEDs are available in many public areas such as schools, shopping centers, and sports venues.

After immediate treatment for cardiac arrest, treatment for the underlying cause will be needed. Common treatments include:

  • Lifestyle changes to improve overall heart health
  • Medications for heart disease or arrhythmias
  • Surgery to correct blocked arteries or heart valve issues
  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to correct the heart’s rhythm automatically if it becomes abnormal
  • Drug detoxification if cardiac arrest is due to a drug overdose or drug abuse

Considering Your Cardiac Arrest Treatment Options at Dignity Health Southern California

Cardiac arrest can happen without warning. The priority is to restore a normal heart rhythm. Next steps will depend on what caused your cardiac arrest. 

If your cardiac arrest was caused by coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery. Most treatment options for any condition have pros and cons. Your Dignity Health Southern California doctor with help you weigh the benefits and risks of each choice.

Dignity Health doctors diagnose cardiac arrest symptoms and provide exceptional cardiac arrest treatment in Southern California.