This is a condition in which the heart stops working suddenly due to a malfunction in the electrical current that controls the heartbeat. It is different from a heart attack. The main reasons that lead to this are:
Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heartbeat becomes too fast or irregular is the main cause of cardiac arrest. In a condition called Ventricular Fibrillation, the heart is unable to pump blood.
Blockage in the heart arteries: Blockage of blood flow to the heart (Coronary Artery Disease) affects the electrical system of the heart and causes it to stop working suddenly.
Weakness in the heart muscle: A condition in which the heart muscle expands or thickens (Cardiomyopathy) affects the pumping capacity. Such patients are more likely to have sudden heart failure.
Iron imbalance: Sudden changes in the levels of salts such as potassium and magnesium in the blood can affect the electrical waves of the heart and lead to heart failure.
Severe infections and shock: Severe infections in the blood (sepsis), trauma due to major accidents, and electric shock can quickly disrupt the functioning of the heart.
