Seeking Emergency Care for Cardiac Arrest

Immediate emergency care and performing life-saving CPR are the main treatment options for cardiac arrest. If you or someone you loved is experiencing cardiac arrest, it means the heart has stopped beating and needs to be restarted as soon as possible.

A person in cardiac arrest will quickly lose consciousness, stop breathing, and will not have have a pulse. Call 911 or seek emergency treatment immediately. You can help save a person’s life by performing CPR or using an automated external defibrillator (AED) until emergency medical help arrives.

Upon arrival at one of our Dignity Health St. John's ERs, our doctors will provide cardiac arrest emergency treatment that personally provides for physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Trust us to deliver expert care for cardiac arrest.

 

Identifying Cardiac Arrest Symptoms at Dignity Health St. John's

Most cardiac arrests are caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. If you have this heart condition, you may have these signs or symptoms:

  • Fainting
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Erratic or fast pulse
  • Dizziness
  • Heart pounding
  • Trouble breathing
  • Very slow pulse that’s less than 60 beats per minute

Tell your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms. Things that can lead to arrhythmia are prior heart attack, severe dehydration, drug abuse, side effects from heart medications, and cardiomyopathy. Your personal care team at Dignity Health Central Coast will effectively treat your heart condition to avoid more serious conditions, such as cardiac arrest.

 

Steps to Prevent Cardiac Arrest

You can stay healthy and help prevent cardiac arrest with several important steps. Partner with your doctor to monitor and treat any diagnosed heart conditions or problems with heart signaling, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or Long QT syndrome. Always tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you may have from medication to correct arrhythmia.

Living a healthy lifestyle, avoiding illicit drugs, and getting your doctor’s approval for sports activities allow you to keep enjoying life. Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health for your heart health.