Cardiac arrest

In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. This causes blood to stop pumping to the body. If the heartbeat is not restarted within minutes, the person will die. This problem is also called sudden cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, which happens when part of the heart muscle dies because blood flow to it has been blocked.

Health professionals, family or friends, and even strangers may be able to help a person right away who has cardiac arrest. They can use CPR or a device called an automated external defibrillator (AED). This device can shock the heart back to a normal rhythm. AEDs are often available in public places. To save a person, the device needs to be used as soon as possible.

In the ambulance and hospital, the person will receive emergency care. This care keeps the heart and lungs working to prevent damage to the body due to lack of oxygen. Doctors will try to find the cause of the cardiac arrest to help prevent another one. The person may also get other treatments and rehabilitation to help them recover.