Cardiac arrest is an emergency condition that occurs when the heart abruptly and unexpectedly stops beating. It leads to a sudden loss of consciousness and stops or interrupts the blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. This is why cardiac arrest can also cause hypoxia, a condition characterised by a lack of oxygen in the brain and other organs because the heart stops pumping blood.
However, hypoxia can also stem from other conditions like pneumonia, asthma, and pulmonary embolism. Additionally, respiratory infections, high altitude, and carbon monoxide poisoning can also cause hypoxia. So, how do we know if you or someone you know is suffering from cardiac arrest-related hypoxia? An expert sheds light on the same.
Also Read: Oxygen Deficiency: How To Know If Your Body Is Low On Oxygen
What Is Hypoxia?
Dr Naveen Kumar Cheruku, Senior Consultant and HOD - Cardiology, CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad, describes hypoxia as a condition wherein the body and its organs do not get enough oxygen. "If oxygen levels drop even for a few minutes, the heart rhythm becomes unstable and the pumping stops. This is one of the common reasons why cardiac arrest occurs in conditions like choking, drowning, or severe breathing problems," he explains.
However, it is important to note that cardiac arrest can cause hypoxia, and conversely, severe hypoxia can lead to cardiac arrest.
A 4.5-year study of 302 in-hospital cardiac arrests found that while heart issues were the main cause, hypoxia accounted for 20% of the cases but had a slightly better survival rate. Emergency teams correctly identified the cause in about two-thirds of cases.
How To Identify Hypoxia In Cardiac Arrest
Some early warning signs are:
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Unusual drowsiness
- Fast, noisy, or gasping breath
- A bluish tinge around the lips, tongue, or fingertips
If you see a person suddenly struggling to breathe or becoming unusually weak, it should alert you to possible hypoxia.
How Do Symptoms Of Hypoxia Differ In Adults Vs. Children?
According to Dr Cheruku, adults often feel breathless or dizzy or complain of chest discomfort before collapsing.
He says, "Children are different; they may suddenly become silent, stop responding, or appear very irritable. Babies may refuse to feed, become floppy, or show bluish discolouration around the mouth. Since children may not say what they feel, any change in normal breathing should be taken seriously."
Also Read: Happy Hypoxia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatment, Prevention
Immediate Actions To Take
Dr Cheruku advises patients or bystanders to call emergency medical help immediately.
“If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) right away. Push hard and fast on the chest. If trained, give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Rescue breaths are particularly important in hypoxia-related arrests, like drowning or choking. If an AED is available, switch it on and follow the instructions without delay,” he emphasises.
Role Of CPR And First Aid
According to the doctor, CPR and first aid training are lifesaving. Not only do they help people identify warning signs quickly and give immediate support until medical teams arrive, but they also improve survival rates.
"Knowing how to do chest compressions, give rescue breaths, and use an AED can double or triple survival chances. Communities where more people are trained in CPR see far better outcomes in cardiac arrest cases caused by hypoxia," Dr Cheruku concludes.