Cardiac arrest

On this page, you can find the following information:

• What is cardiac arrest?
• What should I do if someone is in cardiac arrest?
• What causes cardiac arrest?
• Can cardiac arrest be prevented?
• Reducing the chance of fatal cardiac arrest
• Are there warning signs before cardiac arrest?

Key points – fast action saves lives

1. If you think someone is in cardiac arrest (ie, they are unconscious, unresponsive, not breathing or not breathing normally), start CPR immediately and have someone call 111 immediately. If you are on your own, call 111 then begin CPR.
2. CPR is a life-saving skill that can be learnt through an accredited organisation. If you are unsure how to do CPR, the 111 Call Handler will advise you what to do.
3. Chest compressions are the priority in CPR. Even without mouth-to-mouth, chest compressions can be life-saving.
4. A defibrillator is used to shock the heart and help it reestablish a normal rhythm.
5. Unfortunately, unless expert help and a defibrillator are on hand, the majority of people who experience cardiac arrest are unable to be successfully resuscitated.

What is cardiac arrest?

In cardiac arrest, the electrical signals that keep the heart beating regularly become chaotic. This cause the heart to develop an unusual rhythm or to suddenly stop beating.

What should I do if someone is in cardiac arrest?

If you think someone is in cardiac arrest (see the signs above) call 111 and start CPR immediately. The aim of treatment for cardiac arrest is to get the heart beating again as soon as possible.

This can be done by the delivery of a measured electrical shock to the heart with a device called a “defibrillator”.

• A defibrillator, or AED (automated external defibrillator), is a portable device that can check for the heart’s rhythm and send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
• Use of a defibrillator increases the chance of survival by 40%
• Defibrillator locations in New Zealand.

Until a defibrillator is available CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can be carried out to help keep the person’s blood moving around their body.

• CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn. The chance of survival from a cardiac arrest is greatly increased if emergency CPR is started soon after the heart has stopped beating.¹
• CPR doesn’t always mean the person will survive, but it gives them a chance they would otherwise not have had.
• CPR courses are available through accredited organisations.

What causes cardiac arrest?

The most common cause of cardiac arrest in adults is heart disease. Cardiac arrest is rare in children. When it does occur, SUDI (sudden unexplained death in infancy) and respiratory failure (when the child stops breathing) are the leading causes.

Other causes of cardiac arrest in both adults and children include respiratory illness, trauma, drowning and electrocution.

Can cardiac arrest be prevented?

There is no sure way to know what your risk for cardiac arrest is. However, following a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk for cardiac arrest, cardiovascular disease and many other heart-related problems.

A heart-healthy lifestyle includes:

• Healthy eating
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing stress
• Keeping physically active
• Quitting smoking. 

Having regular check-ups and screening for heart disease can help you understand your risks and take action to minimise these.

Reducing the chance of fatal cardiac arrest

Things which can be done to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest depend on whether you've previously had a cardiac arrest or if you are at high risk due to cardiovascular disease. 

If you’ve previously had a cardiac arrest you are at high risk of having another.

• To reduce this risk, you may have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) surgically placed under the skin on your chest.
• The ICD is connected to your heart and is able to monitor your heartbeat. If a dangerous rhythm is detected, the ICD will give an electric shock to your heart to restore its normal rhythm.
• You may also be given medication to help regulate your heartbeat.

If you have cardiovascular disease you are at high risk for first cardiac arrest.

• To help lower your risk, your doctor may prescribe a type of medication called a beta-blocker.
• Your doctor may also recommend beginning statin treatment if you are at high risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
• Your doctor may also prescribe you medications to:
  • lower your chance of having a heart attack
  • lower blood pressure
  • prevent blood clots
  • reduce your heart’s workload.
• Take all medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Are there warning signs before cardiac arrest? 

Although cardiac arrest happens unexpectedly, some people may have signs and symptoms which may indicate problems with the heart. If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms, it is a good idea to get it checked by your doctor.

• racing or fluttering heartbeat (called palpitations)
• chest pains
• dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness.

Learn more

Cardiac arrest MedlinePlus, US
CPR St John, NZ
CPR and cardiac arrest Better Health, Australia

Reference

1. Out of hospital – cardiac arrest registry St John Annual Report 2013/14

Reviewed by

	Andy McLachlan is a cardiology nurse practitioner with clinical experience in long-term condition support and management, acute cardiology and adult cardiac intensive care nursing. He leads a team of nurses at Middlemore Hospital managing a range of cardiac nursing interventions and runs clinics to help support people back to health following cardiac events, interventions or surgery.