Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy heart and body, but for some individuals, particularly those with underlying heart conditions, the gym can be the setting of a life-threatening event: a cardiac arrest. This sudden cessation of heart function can occur without warning and requires immediate intervention to prevent death. In this article, we will explore what cardiac arrest is, why it happens during exercise, and how CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can make the difference between life and death.
What Is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. When this happens, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, including the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. Without immediate intervention, death can occur within minutes.
It's important to note that cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack
, though the two are often confused. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, typically due to a clot in the coronary arteries.
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