What are the consequences/consequential damages of cardiac arrest? | Cardiac arrestCirculatory arrest

What are the consequences/consequential damages of cardiac arrest?

The worst consequence of a cardiac arrest is death. The human body is dependent on a permanently functioning heart because it maintains the circulation. Every minute, oxygen must be pumped to the various organs along with other nutrients.

At the same time, it is necessary to remove the metabolic waste produced. In the case of cardiac arrest, the brain is one of the earliest affected organs. After only four minutes, the first damage to the brain becomes apparent.

This is mainly due to the suddenly occurring lack of oxygen. This leads to the destruction of the brain cells and thus to permanent damage. But other organs can also suffer damage.

In addition to the brain, the liver and kidneys in particular react very quickly to the oxygen deficiency. Here too, cell death occurs, which in turn can cause irreversible damage. The prognosis after a cardiac arrest depends on how long the resuscitation of the affected person takes. The longer the organs are not supplied, the more severe the damage that occurs there. Due to the undersupply of the brain, a temporary or permanent coma can occur.

At what point does brain damage begin?

Brain damage occurs within minutes of cardiovascular arrest. After only 4 minutes, the first damage to the brain becomes apparent. If the affected person is resuscitated quickly, the damage may even recede completely.

The longer the cardiac arrest lasts, the worse the chances of complete recovery. After eight to ten minutes irreversible (= irreversible) damage occurs. Through resuscitation consisting of cardiac massage and ventilation, a certain blood circulation can be maintained so that the brain is still supplied with oxygen. Brain damage also occurs under these measures, but this occurs later than if no measures are taken.