Sudden Cardiac Arrest Flashcards, test questions and answers

Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Sudden Cardiac Arrest and get quick solutions for your test.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. It can occur in anyone at any age, although it is more common in people with known heart disease. SCA is often caused by an electrical problem in the heart, which disrupts its normal rhythm and causes it to stop beating. In some cases, SCA may be caused by other conditions such as a blocked artery or pulmonary embolism.When someone experiences SCA, their pulse becomes very weak or nonexistent and they may lose consciousness immediately. Without immediate medical attention, death can occur within minutes of onset. The most effective way to treat SCA is to restore the heart’s natural rhythm with an electric shock from a device called a defibrillator (or AED). This shock helps re-establish the normal heartbeat and allows blood to flow through the body again. If SCA is treated quickly enough, many victims can survive without serious long-term complications.Although there are certain risk factors associated with SCA such as family history of cardiac issues, high cholesterol levels, smoking or obesity it can still happen even in those without known risk factors. That’s why it’s important for everyone to be aware of this condition and how to act if you suspect someone may be experiencing sudden cardiac arrest: call 911 immediately; check for breathing; begin chest compressions; if available have someone grab an AED machine nearby; continue until help arrives or until patient regains consciousness/starts breathing normally again on their own; and once emergency personnel arrive follow their instructions closely while providing them with necessary information about what happened prior to collapse (e.g., medications taken before collapse). By knowing both the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and what steps should be taken if you suspect someone has experienced this condition, you can help save lives.