Sudden cardiac arrest is an unexpected cause of death in many people. During a cardiac arrest, blood flow to the heart is interrupted. This results in lack of delivery of oxygen to the brain and results in unconsciousness within 4-5 minutes.
Most individuals who have no oxygen to the brain for more than 5 minutes have a poor chance of recovery. Cardiac arrest may also occur from a sudden abnormal beating of the heart. There are several dangerous heart rhythms which may occur independently of blood supply to the heart.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. In order for someone to survive, CPR must be conducted within the first 4-5 minutes. A shock may be provided during CPR to re start the heart but if this is not possible other interventions using drugs may be required. Most people who develop cardiac arrest have no premonitory signs or symptoms.
In the USA coronary disease is the number one cause of cardiac arrest but in younger individuals other causes may include heart abnormalities, trauma, rupture of a blood vessel, over dose, a blood clot or drowning.
This morning Brittany Murphy, 32, died of a cardiac arrest. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause.