Cardiac arrest

The sudden cessation of effective cardiac mechanical and electrical activity, leading to absent cardiac output, loss of consciousness, and apnea or agonal respiration, rapidly progressing to death if spontaneous circulation is not promptly restored.

Causes

• Coronary artery disease --> myocardial infarction

• Cardiomyopathy

• Arrhythmia

• Severe traumatic hemorrhage

• Commotio cordis

• Respiratory failure: Asthma, drowning, drug over dose

• Severe sepsis

• Electric shock

• Electrolyte imbalance of potassium or magnesium