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Cardiac arrest is a very serious condition that can occur with or without warning signs. Many people confuse heart attacks with cardiac arrest, but they aren't the same thing. While someone having a heart attack is suffering damage to the heart muscle, usually because of a blockage of the blood flow to the heart, when someone suffers cardiac arrest, the heart completely stops working. Cardiac arrest can lead to death and often does when help is not immediate. See below for some of the signs of cardiac arrest.

Sometimes it seems like cardiac arrest happens for no obvious reasons but most of the time there were signs of trouble before the big moment arrived. People who have gone through one heart attack already and/or experience risk indicators like high blood pressure or existing heart disease are much more likely to have a cardiac arrest. People who have a lengthy history of heart related ailments should take proper precautions like medication, medical monitoring, and lifestyle changes to lower their risks. Taking medications and making minor adjustments in lifestyle can have a huge impact on the risks of cardiac arrest.

Perhaps the most lethal detail about cardiac arrest is how quickly it happens. However, there are sometimes warning signs that can enable others to call for help in time to save the victim's life. For people who have a history of heart problems, heart palpitations and shortness of breath can definitely be signs of cardiac arrest. Naturally, these symptoms can occur for many reasons and don't necessarily indicate cardiac arrest, but they should always be taken seriously. The sooner help is given in such situations, the better the chances of survival. The decision to call an ambulance when cardiac arrest isn't certain but can't be ruled out could save a life.

There are many cases in which the only real risk factor for cardiac arrest is a family history. If one or more members of your family have had SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), a heart attack, or any kind of heart abnormality, this increases your risk for this problem. This doesn't mean you will necessarily have this happen, as you can take many steps to protect your health, but it does mean you should have a doctor check your heart regularly for warning signs if people in your family have had heart troubles. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that will diminish your risk of cardiac arrest. These are some of the common risk factors, symptoms, and signs of cardiac arrest. You may not be able to eliminate all potential risks but you can definitely reduce the odds.