Introduction
When the heart's mechanical function stops, there is no blood flow through the body, known as cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest causes the body's important organs to lose oxygen because blood flow to them is cut off; if it goes untreated, it can be fatal. In people in their mid-thirties to mid-forties, sudden cardiac death most frequently happens. More often in men than in women, cardiac arrest happens.
What Is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The sudden cessation of all heart functions resulting from an abnormal heart rhythm is known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The breaths cease, and the patient loses consciousness. Sudden cardiac arrest might result in mortality if it is not treated right away. A heart attack is not similar to sudden cardiac arrest. The blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked then the heart occurs. Therefore, there is no obstruction to account for sudden cardiac arrest. However, a heart attack can alter the heart's electrical activity, which might result in a sudden cardiac arrest.
What Is Hypertension?
Overly high blood pressure is referred to as hypertension. Two numbers represent the blood pressure. When the heart contracts or beats, blood vessels experience pressure, which is represented by the first number (systolic). The second number (diastolic) indicates the pressure in the blood arteries between heartbeats. Blood pressure beyond 140 by 90 millimeters of mercury is typically considered hypertension; blood pressure above 180 by 120 millimeters of mercury is regarded as severe hypertension.
How Does Hypertension Lead to Cardiac Arrest?
A significant risk factor for cardiovascular illness, including heart attacks and stroke, is hypertension, or high blood pressure. When blood pressure is continually excessively high, the heart and blood arteries are subjected to additional strain, which eventually results in damage.
-
Coronary Artery Disease: Coronary artery disease is one-way high blood pressure might result in cardiac arrest (CAD). The coronary arteries, which feed blood to the heart muscle, have thick, stiff walls due to high blood pressure. Angina (chest pain) or a heart attack can result from the narrowing of the arteries, which decreases the amount of blood that can reach the heart.
-
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: Additionally, left ventricular hypertrophy, a condition associated with hypertension, which causes the heart to expand and weaken, might result in cardiac arrest (LVH). The muscle may thicken, so the heart should work extensively to pump blood through the constricted arteries. Heart failure and cardiac arrest may result from the heart being less effective and capable of pumping blood.
-
Atrial Fibrillation: By inducing an irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension can also cause cardiac arrest (AFib). Uneven heartbeats can result from high blood pressure harming the heart's electrical circuitry. AFib raises the possibility of blood clots developing in the heart, which could eventually move to the brain and result in a stroke.
By harming the blood arteries in the brain and resulting in a stroke, hypertension can potentially cause cardiac arrest. In addition, high blood pressure can weaken and burst the brain's blood arteries, causing bleeding. If treated slowly after a stroke, brain damage or death may result.
How to Prevent Cardiac Arrest That Occurs Due to Hypertension?
It is important to manage and control blood pressure to prevent cardiac arrest due to hypertension through lifestyle changes and medications.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Adapt the lifestyle by Consuming a balanced diet low in salt and saturated fats, Regularly moving their body, and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, limit their alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
-
Medication: Medications such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers may be recommended by their doctor to assist in lowering their blood pressure.
-
Monitoring: Continually check their blood pressure at home or with the doctor's help.
-
Adherence to Medicine:Take the medication as directed and check in with their doctor frequently to ensure their blood pressure is controlled.
-
Stress Management: Stress can elevate blood pressure. Find ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Making these changes and working with their healthcare provider can significantly reduce the risk of cardiac arrest due to hypertension. However, it is important to remember that hypertension is a chronic condition and requires ongoing management to control blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of complications.
What Is the Treatment for Cardiac Arrest That Occurs Due to Hypertension?
- A medical emergency known as cardiac arrest happens when the heart abruptly stops beating. The goal of treatment, if hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the underlying cause, is to get blood flow and pressure back to normal.
-
Calling emergency services and starting CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) are the initial steps in treating a person in cardiac arrest if they are not breathing or has no pulse. The heart can also be shocked into a regular beat with a defibrillator.
-
The goal will next be to determine and address the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest once the patient has been stabilized. In the case of hypertension, this can entail taking blood pressure-lowering drugs such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics.
-
In some cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. For example, suppose a person's hypertension is caused by a blocked or narrowed artery. In that case, they may need surgery or a procedure such as angioplasty to open the artery and restore normal blood flow.
-
Angioplasties or coronary artery bypass surgery are required to revive a patient if a heart attack leads to cardiac arrest. Additionally, if a severe arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) causes cardiac arrest, a procedure like electrical cardioversion can be necessary to restore a normal heart rhythm.
-
Future cardiac incidents must be prevented in addition to blood pressure-lowering medication. This could involve lifestyle changes, including eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and routinely checking blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
-
It is also important for the patient to follow up with their doctor and make sure that they are taking their medications as prescribed and notifying the doctor of any side effects or changes in symptoms. One can consider getting a online prescription and consultation if in-person visits are not possible.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest is a potentially fatal condition that requires urgent medical care. The cardiovascular arrest brought on by hypertension is treated with a mix of emergency procedures to return to normal heart function, then with drugs and dietary changes to lower blood pressure and stop further cardiac episodes. More extreme therapies, like surgeries or procedures, might be required in some circumstances.
