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What do defibrillators do?

What do defibrillators do?

Defibrillators are devices that restore a normal heartbeat by sending an electric pulse or shock to the heart. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, a heartbeat that is uneven or that is too slow or too fast. Defibrillators can also restore the heart’s beating if the heart suddenly stops.

What causes sudden heart attack?

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and often without warning. It is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs.

What is the life expectancy of someone with cardiomyopathy?

The majority of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have no symptoms and most have a near-normal life expectancy. In some cases, sudden cardiac death is the first symptom of the illness. Patients who have symptoms at a younger age often have higher mortality rates.

What to do if someone has a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. A person who has had a cardiac arrest won’t survive unless the blood starts pumping and the body gets a supply of oxygen very quickly. Call an ambulance: dial 000 and tell the emergency services that someone has had a cardiac arrest. Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

What happens in a heart attack vs. cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest is different to a heart attack. In a cardiac arrest the heart actually stops beating; whereas in a heart attack the heart normally continues to beat even though the blood supply to the heart is disrupted.

What you should know about cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction that stops the heartbeat, shutting down the heart – like a breaker switch turning off all the power in a house. A person experiencing a cardiac arrest will collapse and be unresponsive.

What are the reasons for sudden cardiac arrest?

Most cases of sudden cardiac arrest are caused by a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) called ventricular fibrillation, or v-fib. The major risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest is undiagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD).

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