Investigatory Project on Cardiac

Arrest: Causes, Prevention, and

Response.

By – Prasit Kapoor

Class- S6 “B”

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mrs.
Richa Bhatia for providing me with the invaluable
opportunity to undertake this fascinating Biology
project. Her guidance and support have been
instrumental in completing this project successfully. I
have gained a deeper understanding of various
concepts, and I am truly thankful to her for her
guidance.

Furthermore, I extend my gratitude to my parents and

friends who played an integral role in assisting me
throughout the project's completion, especially within
the constraints of the limited time frame. Their
encouragement, assistance, and unwavering support
have been truly motivating and have contributed
significantly to the completion of this project.

Thank you all for being an essential part of this journey.

Introduction:
 " Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that
demands immediate attention.

This project aims to provide insights into the causes, prevention strategies, and appropriate
"
responses to cardiac arrest. Understanding this critical medical emergency can empower us to make
informed decisions and potentially save lives.

Meaning:
It is a serious medical condition when the heart stops working.

Signs of Cardiac Arrest:

Five warning signs of cardiac arrest include chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, breathlessness, and
nausea or vomiting.

Objectives:
1. Understanding Cardiac Arrest:

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. The heart's electrical system
malfunctions, leading to irregular rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. Without prompt intervention,
it can be fatal within minutes.

2. Causes and Risk Factors:

- Underlying Heart Conditions: Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and
congenital heart defects.

- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol intake.

- Medical Factors: Hypertension, diabetes, obesity.

- Age and Gender: Risk increases with age; men are generally at higher risk.

3. Prevention Measures:
 - Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Engage in
regular physical activity.

- Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk.

- Limit Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption and avoid binge drinking.

- Manage Medical Conditions: Control hypertension and diabetes through medication and lifestyle
changes.

4. Recognizing Cardiac Arrest:

- Symptoms: Sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, no normal breathing.

- Differentiating from Heart Attack: Cardiac arrest is an electrical problem, while a heart attack is a
circulation problem.

5. Emergency Response:

- Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately. Dial 112.

- Start CPR: Begin hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast on the chest.

- Using AEDs: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) can restore a normal rhythm.

- Early Defibrillation: AEDs increase survival chances significantly.

6. Case Studies:

- Real-Life Success Stories: Share instances where timely interventions saved lives.

- Importance of Bystander Action: Highlight the impact of immediate CPR and AED use.

7. Creating Awareness:

- School Campaign: Design posters, organize presentations, and workshops to educate peers.

- Training Sessions: Encourage learning basic CPR and AED skills.

8. Myocardial Infarction:

One of the most important causes of sudden cardiac death and cardiac arrest is Acute myocardial
infarction or Heart Attack.

Myocardial infarction (MI), colloquially known as "heart attack," is caused by decreased or complete
cessation of blood flow to a portion of the myocardium.

Important Terms:
CPR- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that's useful in many
emergencies in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. For example, when someone
has a heart attack or nearly drowns. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR with
hard and fast chest compressions.

AED- AEDs are a type of computerized defibrillator that automatically analyses the heart rhythm in
people who are experiencing cardiac arrest.

Conclusion:
Cardiac arrest is a critical medical emergency that necessitates quick action. By understanding its
causes, risk factors, prevention methods, and appropriate response techniques, we can be better
prepared to handle such situations. Spreading awareness and knowledge about cardiac arrest
among our peers can contribute to a safer and healthier community, where everyone knows how to
respond effectively and potentially save lives.