Which signs indicate cardiac arrest?

Which signs indicate cardiac arrest?

• A. Gradual dizziness that lasts hours
• B. Mild chest pain with activity
• C. Rash and fever
• D. Sudden collapse, agonal breathing, unresponsiveness

Answer: (D)

Cardiac arrest shows up as an abrupt loss of blood flow due to the heart stopping effectively, so the person suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive. You may also see abnormal or gasping breaths called agonal breaths. These signs together—sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal breathing—are the clearest indication that the person is in cardiac arrest and in urgent need of help. The other scenarios don’t fit cardiac arrest. Dizziness that lasts hours suggests a non-acute issue like dehydration or inner-ear problems. Mild chest pain with activity could indicate angina or another heart condition, but it isn’t the immediate collapse and unresponsiveness seen in cardiac arrest. Rash and fever point to infection or illness, not sudden heart stoppage. If you encounter the signs of cardiac arrest, act fast: call emergency services, start CPR, and use an AED as soon as it’s available.

Cardiac arrest shows up as an abrupt loss of blood flow due to the heart stopping effectively, so the person suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive. You may also see abnormal or gasping breaths called agonal breaths. These signs together—sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal breathing—are the clearest indication that the person is in cardiac arrest and in urgent need of help.

The other scenarios don’t fit cardiac arrest. Dizziness that lasts hours suggests a non-acute issue like dehydration or inner-ear problems. Mild chest pain with activity could indicate angina or another heart condition, but it isn’t the immediate collapse and unresponsiveness seen in cardiac arrest. Rash and fever point to infection or illness, not sudden heart stoppage.

If you encounter the signs of cardiac arrest, act fast: call emergency services, start CPR, and use an AED as soon as it’s available.