Sudden cardiac arrest

Having abnormality in the rhythm of the heart or better known as arrhythmia may result in sudden cardiac arrest. This problem has something to do with the electrical system of the heart. Compared to the muscles of the body that depends on the nerve connections to get the electrical stimulation that they need to be able to function well. The heart has its own electrical stimulator, this is a group of cells better known as the sinus node situated at the upper right chamber or right atrium of the heart. The sinus node is responsible in the electrical impulses that go through in a very orderly manner to the heart. This will coordinate the heart rate and then synchronize the pumping of the blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

If there is something not right with the sinus node or the flow of the impulses is not normal to the heart, it may result in arrhythmia that will cause the heart to beat very fast or very slow. Oftentimes, these pauses are just for few minutes and these are also harmless. But there are kinds of arrhythmia that may also be serious and may lead to a sudden stop in the functions of the heart of better known as sudden cardiac arrest. Arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation is the usual cause of cardiac arrest. This happens when there is an erratic electrical impulse that makes the ventricles quiver uselessly instead of just pumping the blood. A lot of times, cardiac arrest inducing arrhythmias do not happen on their own only. In the case of a normal and healthy heart there is no irregular rhythm that may develop outside like electric shock or drugs and trauma.

Certain heart conditions that may result in a cardiac arrest

Arrhythmia is a life threatening condition that typically develops if there is a pre-existing heart condition like coronary artery disease. Those with this condition may suffer from a cardiac arrest. This is when the arteries are clogged with cholesterol and deposits too thus they lessen the blood flow going to the heart.

Heart attack is another condition that happens if there is an artery disease. It can boost ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest as well. Enlarged heart or cardiomyopathy is another condition that happens when the muscular walls of the heart stretches out and become thicker and bigger.  Some other conditions like valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and electrical problems of the heart are just some of the conditions that may lead to cardiac arrest when not treated accordingly. It is very important to see your cardiologist to know more about your condition and how you can prevent cardiac arrest from taking place.