Cardiac arrest

If you think someone's in cardiac arrest (see the signs above) start CPR immediately and get someone to call 111 straight away. If you're on your own, 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.(external link)

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 otherwise wouldn't have had.
• CPR courses are available through accredited organisations.

Apps reviewed by Healthify

You may find it useful to look at some First aid and emergency apps.

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.

There's 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.

Things that 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're at high risk of having another.

• To reduce this risk, you may be referred to  a heart specialist at the hospital to 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.

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's a good idea to get it checked by your healthcare provider.

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