SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest): Sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest with loss of mechanical cardiac function. Results in loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, and absence

Hearts too good to die In 1961 the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published an article titled Hearts too good to die (JAMA,

Data sources for monitoring cardiac arrest and resuscitation There are currently several large registries monitoring resuscitation practices. Some data sources also monitor sudden cardiac arrest.

Time is the most critical factor for survival in cardiac arrest. Life-saving interventions must be initiated momentarily to maximize the probability of survival. Several actions

The course from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to death follows a pathophysiological process that affects the effectiveness of the interventions. Numerous studies demonstrate that the

Predicting sudden cardiac arrest The purpose of discovering and measuring risk factors is to obtain estimates of risk, tailor management according to the risk and

It is commonly stated that approximately 80% of all cardiac arrests are caused by acute or chronic coronary artery disease, with the latter being the

Basic life support (BLS) can be provided by anyone, including laypeople. As shown in Table 1, BLS is an exceptionally effective treatment, with a very

Cardiac arrest is a result of tachyarrhythmia, bradyarrhythmia or asystole. The tachyarrhythmias include ventricular fibrillation (VF) and pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT). The bradyarrhythmias include all

A standard 12-lead ECG should be recorded in all patients after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The purpose of a 12-lead ECG is to detect

Post-resuscitation care Victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who achieve ROSC in the emergency room (ER) are transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU), coronary

Neurons are exceptionally vulnerable to hypoxia and anoxia (Casas et al). In cardiac arrest without chest compressions (i.e. if cerebral perfusion ceases), irreversible neuronal cell

Pupillary reflex and cerebral outcomes In cardiac arrest, pupils that are constricted and responsive to light suggest a favorable prognosis. In contrast, dilated pupils unresponsive

Bedside echocardiography in cardiac arrest In the context of cardiac arrest, focused echocardiography entails a swift evaluation of ventricular contractions and the status of the

Capnography (end-tidal carbon dioxide, ETCO2) Capnography refers to the measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) in the respiratory system. ETCO2 is the partial pressure of

Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Survival after cardiac arrest depends on the restoration of spontaneous cardiac rhythm. The likelihood of achieving

Accidental hypothermia Accidental hypothermia is defined as an unintentional decrease in body temperature to below 35°C. The lowest recorded body temperatures from which patients have

Hyperthermia and malignant hyperthermia Hyperthermia is characterized by a body temperature exceeding the typical range of 36.5-37.6°C (97.7-99.7°F). It arises when heat production or acquisition

Electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrest Significant electrolyte imbalances can precipitate cardiac arrest and are potentially reversible etiologies when promptly and appropriately addressed. Both venous and

Cardiac arrest during pregnancy and childbirth All healthcare units capable of managing pregnant women in cardiac arrest should engage in specialized clinical training to manage

Anaphylactic cardiac arrest Anaphylactic cardiac arrest is managed following the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) algorithm, incorporating an intravenous administration of 1 mg epinephrine. Predominant causes of

Poisoning and drug toxicity In adolescents and young adults, intoxication events leading to cardiac arrest are notably prevalent, primarily due to the misuse of prescription

Hypoxia and asphyxiation Etiologies of hypoxic cardiac arrest: The natural course of asphyxia Should ventilation be entirely inhibited (as seen in acute airway obstructions), a

Cardiac arrest due to trauma In cases of traumatic cardiac arrest, addressing reversible etiologies takes precedence over chest compressions. If trauma is not definitively established

Tamponade and cardiac arrest Cardiac arrest associated with tamponade has an exceptionally poor prognosis. In the vast majority of these cases, the tamponade develops acutely

Pneumothorax Pneumothorax is characterized by the presence of free air in the thoracic cavity. While this can occasionally be benign and manifest even in healthy

Sepsis-induced cardiac arrest Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and hypoperfusion manifesting as hypotension. The

Each recording presents two leads recorded simultaneously. Sex: Female Age: 72 years History: heart failure Medications: digoxin, quinidine

Each recording presents two leads recorded simultaneously. Sex: Male Age: 43 years History: None Medications: None

Sex: Male Age: 62 years History: Coronary bypass grafting; history of arrhythmias. Medications: beta-blockers