Recognizing the Symptoms Associated with Cardiac Arrest

It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms associated with cardiac arrest. Many individuals believe that a heart attack and cardiac arrest is the same in one, but it is not. When an individual experiences a cardiac arrest, it indicates that their heart has stopped. When one experiences a heart attack, they may experience the situation in which their heart stops, but not in all cases. Cardiac arrest is considered an emergency and can be potentially fatal. Many die as a result of this health complication. Just recently, the famous "King of Pop", Michael Jackson, died as a direct result of cardiac arrest. In this guide, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms associated with cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

There are many symptoms that have been identified among individuals that suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. When a person experiences cardiac arrest, they may experience the symptoms that are associated with a heart attack prior to experiencing a stoppage with the heart. In order for one to become familiar with the symptoms that indicate that the heart has stopped, we must first learn the symptoms of heart attack. The signs of this medical emergency include:

• One may experience mild, moderate, or severe discomfort in the area of the chest. This is typically in the center of the chest, but can radiate out to the sides as well.

• It is common for one to feel a general heaviness or an immense amount of pressure in the area of the chest. This is often accompanied by pain.

• Arm pain and discomfort may be experienced by an individual that is having a heart attack, or one that is about to experience sudden cardiac arrest. This pain and discomfort could be in one arm, or both arms. However, it is most commonly the left arm that is affected.

• Pain and pressure may be felt in the back area. Many even complain that this pain and pressure extends up to the neck and jaw area.

• Those that are on the verge of or experiencing a heart attack or the onset of cardiac arrest may find that they experience pain and discomfort in the stomach area.

The above listed symptoms are quite common in those experiencing a heart attack. Many times, an individual will experience a heart attack prior to experiencing cardiac arrest. It is important to understand that this does not always happen. There are cases in which an individual experiences sudden cardiac arrest with symptoms that appear quickly, and then result in coma or death. The following outlines other symptoms that are often associated with this medical emergency:

• Many experience a shortness of breath and struggle to breathe.

• It is common for the skin to go pale and for the individual to break out into a sweat. This may be described as a "cold sweat" as the skin may feel cold and moist to the touch.

• Nausea may be experienced. This may be marked by feelings of light-headedness and dizziness. Many may even experience vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort.

• It is common to notice that the person falls to fatigue. They may display signs that they are tired and feeling extremely weak. In addition to this, they may faint.

• The heart may begin to palpitate and the individual may lose consciousness. Upon examination, it may be discovered that there is absolutely no pulse.

If an individual experiences the symptoms of a cardiac arrest, or the symptoms that are often associated with a heart attack, it is absolutely essential that medical treatment be sought immediately. This is a medical emergency and can result in death. No one is actually immune from this serious condition. Regardless of how healthy one appears, sudden cardiac arrest could occur at any time.