Risks and symptoms of cardiac arrest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - As we continue to celebrate Heart Month, it's important to look at something that people don't see coming; sudden cardiac arrest. We invited experts from the Spectrum Health Medical Group in to discuss sudden cardiac arrest and actions we can take to prevent it. He explained that the heart has an internal electrical system that regulates how it beats and when an abnormal change in the rate or pattern occurs, it's called an arrhythmia. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the heart develops an arrhythmia that causes it to stop beating.  Some symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest include a sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing and loss of consciousness.  Experts say, If these signs of cardiac arrest are present. the first response should be to call for help and dial 9-1-1.  If you are alone with an adult who has signs of cardiac arrest, health advocates share these steps that you can take:

• Call 9-1-1 and get an AED if one is available.
• If the person is unconscious and has no pulse, perform CPR.  CPR can provide vital resuscitation until more advanced emergency care is available
• Push hard and push fast. Once an AED has arrived, turn it on and follow the prompts.
• Keep pushing until the person starts to breathe or move, or someone with more advanced training takes over.

There's no sure way to know who will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.  Reducing your risk may be the best strategy to avoid it. Steps to take include getting regular checkups, screening for heart disease and living a heart-healthy lifestyle.  For more information about your heart health, contact your care provider or consult with the experts with West Michigan Heart and Spectrum Health Medical Group.

Spectrum Health Medical  Group
West Michigan Heart
2900 Bradford NE - Grand Rapids
616-885-5000 or www.shmg.org