Cardiac Arrest: What It Is and How to React Fast
When a heart suddenly stops beating, the whole body loses blood flow. That emergency is called cardiac arrest. It’s not the same as a heart attack, but it can happen in the same minutes. Knowing the signs and the right steps can mean the difference between life and death.
Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
There are three quick signs to watch for:
- No pulse or breathing: The person may look like they’re just sleeping, but there’s no chest rise or feeling of a heartbeat.
- Sudden collapse: They fall down without warning, often after a brief period of feeling fine.
- Loss of consciousness: They can’t respond to your voice or touch.
If you see any of these, treat it as a cardiac arrest right away. Don’t wait for an ambulance to arrive before acting.
What to Do Right Away
Step 1 – Call emergency services. In the UK, dial 999 and tell them it’s a cardiac arrest. Give the exact location.
Step 2 – Start CPR. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about 100‑120 compressions per minute. That’s roughly the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive.” Keep going until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Step 3 – Use an AED if one is nearby. Turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and attach the pads. The device will tell you if a shock is needed. Deliver the shock, then resume CPR.
Step 4 – Keep calm and stay with the person. Your steady presence helps the rescuers know the situation when they get there.
These steps sound simple, but they save lives. If you haven’t practiced CPR, many charities offer free courses. A few minutes of training can make you a hero.
Reducing Your Risk
Even though cardiac arrest can strike anyone, certain habits lower the odds:
- Stay active: Regular exercise keeps the heart strong.
- Eat heart‑healthy foods: Plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress raises blood pressure, a known risk factor.
- Know your numbers: Keep tabs on blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
- Don’t smoke: Tobacco damages arteries and speeds up heart problems.
If you have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about screening tests. Early detection of irregular heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Having a defibrillator in public places—schools, gyms, airports—has become common. If you see an AED, don’t be shy. Grab it, follow the instructions, and keep doing CPR.
Remember, cardiac arrest happens in seconds. Your quick action, even without professional help, can keep oxygen flowing to the brain and buy the person the time they need to survive.
Take a quick CPR class, keep an eye on your health, and encourage friends and family to do the same. The more people who know what to do, the safer our community becomes.
Will Christian Eriksen play football again after his cardiac arrest?
In October 2020, Christian Eriksen, the Danish professional footballer, suffered a cardiac arrest during a UEFA Euro 2020 match. After months of recovery, it is unclear if and when Christian Eriksen will be able to return to playing football. Doctors have advised that Eriksen must first pass a series of tests that will determine his physical and mental fitness before he is cleared to play again. His recovery has been complicated by the psychological effects of the incident, which have included difficulty sleeping and eating. However, Eriksen has remained positive and is determined to return to the game he loves. Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the medical professionals, but it is hoped that Eriksen will be able to return to the football field soon.
