Cardiac arrest can become fatal in mintues, but quick action can save lives. No wonder, questions like ‘what are the tests needed?’ and ‘What are the options for cardiac arrest treatment?’ are common. Don’t worry, this blog answers such questions by listing down the diagnostic tests used in cases of cardiac arrest, from ECGs to angiography, and explaining their purpose. The blog also explores various cardiac arrest treatment options. Understanding both diagnosis and cardiac arrest treatment empowers one to be prepared for the worst, and work towards improving heart health.
Diagnosis of Cardiac Arrest
What is cardiac arrest? When someone shows signs like sudden collapse, heart palpitations, and no pulse, its cardiac arrest. It happens due to improper electrical activity in the heart that speeds up or temporarily stops heartbeats. Cardiac arrest is an emergency and requires quick action and prompt treatment. There is very little time to run tests, and the patient’s symptoms—no pulse, not breathing, and unconsciousness—often confirm the state of cardiac arrest.
After the patient is stable and heartbeat is restored, the following tests are used to by doctors to determine the cause of cardiac arrest:
1. Electrocardiogram
An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is super helpful in diagnosing the cause of cardiac arrest. It records the electrical activity of your heart.
The ECG involves attaching electrodes to the skin, typically on the chest, which detect and record the electrical impulses generated by the heart. The resulting graph, known as the electrocardiogram, displays the heart's activity in terms of waves and intervals.
Sometimes, during a cardiac arrest, the emergency team will run an ECG test. It will show a distinctive absence of organised electrical activity, indicating that the heart is not pumping blood effectively. This insight confirms the diagnosis and guides the emergency personnel in making rapid decisions about the appropriate interventions, to restore a normal heart rhythm.
The speed and accuracy of ECG interpretation play a critical role in the chain of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. It also helps in determining the cause of the arrest and guides the medical team in designing an effective cardiac arrest treatment plan to minimise the chances of future cardiac arrest deaths.
2. Coronary Angiography
Coronary angiography plays a crucial role in diagnosing the underlying causes of cardiac arrest, especially those related to coronary artery disease (CAD).
During coronary angiography, a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries, and X-ray images are taken. As the contrast dye circulates through the coronary arteries, a series of X-ray images or a video (angiogram) is recorded.
This procedure allows cardiac arrest doctors to visualise the blood flow in the coronary arteries and pinpoint any blockages, narrowings, or abnormalities. CAD, often caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to a heart attack and is one of the reasons for cardiac arrest.
This detailed information is vital for both diagnosis and guiding interventional procedures, reducing the risk of future cardiac events, including cardiac arrest.
3. Cardiac Monitoring
Cardiac monitoring involves continuously observing and recording the electrical activity of the heart to assess its rhythm and function. After a cardiac arrest episode, abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, can be quickly identified.
Cardiac monitoring is instrumental in identifying the underlying causes of cardiac arrest, such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), electrolyte imbalances, or other cardiac conditions. This information guides further cardiac arrest treatment decisions.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests are pivotal in diagnosing the reasons for cardiac arrest, offering critical insights into the heart's health.
When the heart muscle is damaged, as in the case of a heart attack that may lead to cardiac arrest, enzymes and proteins are released into the bloodstream. Blood tests can detect these markers, indicating myocardial injury. Elevated levels of these enzymes suggest recent heart muscle damage, aiding in the diagnosis of a heart-related event.
Imbalances in electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, and calcium, can disrupt the heart's electrical conduction system, potentially leading to arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Blood tests help identify abnormal electrolyte levels, guide doctors in addressing these imbalances, and aid in cardiac arrest prevention.
5. X-Ray
After cardiac arrest, X-rays may be ordered by doctors to understand the size and shape of the heart, the condition of the valves, and fluid accumulation (if any).
Doctors may also order chest X-rays to assess the overall condition of the chest and lungs. This can help in identifying potential underlying causes of cardiac arrest, such as pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, or other lung conditions.
X-rays can provide information that may be useful in understanding overall cardiac health.
Treatment
A range of cardiac arrest cures exist, aiming to restart the heart, restore blood flow, minimise damage, and prevent death. Here's a breakdown of the cardiac arrest treatment options:
1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) plays a critical role in the emergency response to cardiac arrest, providing essential life support until professional medical help arrives. The primary goals of CPR are to maintain blood circulation and provide oxygen to vital organs, particularly the brain.
The core component of CPR involves rhythmic chest compressions. By pressing down on the chest, the rescuer helps pump blood to the heart and brain. This mimics the heart's natural pumping action, providing essential circulation.
Rescue breaths can be incorporated into the process. Rescue breaths involve delivering breaths into the person's lungs, supplying oxygen to the body.
2. Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device designed to deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart during sudden cardiac arrest.
AEDs are user-friendly and are commonly found in public places such as airports, shopping malls, schools, and sports facilities.
AEDs provide clear, step-by-step instructions through voice prompts and visual displays. This guidance assists bystanders, even those without formal medical training, in using the device effectively during an emergency.
The AED comes with adhesive electrode pads that need to be placed on the chest of the person experiencing cardiac arrest. The pads have sensors that detect the heart's electrical activity and allow the AED to analyse the rhythm.
The AED automatically analyses the heart rhythm to determine whether a shock is needed. AEDs often prompt users to resume CPR after a shock. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for maintaining blood circulation until professional medical help arrives.
3. Medicines
Medications are not typically the first line of treatment during a cardiac arrest. However, there are medications that healthcare professionals may administer as part of advanced life support.
These medications are used to support circulation, manage underlying cardiac arrest causes, and improve the chances of successful resuscitation.
4. Surgery
Surgery may be considered part of the overall treatment plan after emergency care is provided, especially to address underlying causes or risk factors for cardiac arrest. For instance, if cardiac arrest is caused by severe coronary artery disease (CAD) leading to a heart attack, doctors might recommend coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Coronary angioplasty or stents may also be other surgical options.
Final Words
Early recognition and immediate action are crucial in maximising the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. If someone around you shows symptoms such as sudden collapse and no pulse, call emergency services immediately and initiate CPR and AED. And to prevent the risk of cardiac arrest, consult best cardiologists in India to find treatments for underlying heart conditions.
Disclaimer:
This article has been written for information purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice by a qualified doctor or other health care professional. The author is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use (or misuse) of information contained in or implied by the information in this article. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment, and recommendations tailored to your individual health needs.
