Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 325,000 deaths each year according to the Heart Rhythm Foundation. Cardiac arrest is different... Show moreSudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for an estimated 325,000 deaths each year according to the Heart Rhythm Foundation. Cardiac arrest is different from a typical heart attack because it involves a complete stopping of the heart. Brain injury is likely to occur if the cardiac arrest is untreated for more than 5 minutes and a person cannot be revived after 10 minutes of no action. This is because the arrest sets off a chain of metabolic reactions, which leads to swelling of the brain tissue. Cardiac arrest results in ischemia reperfusion injury, which is when circulation is restored and high levels of oxygen rich blood rushes back into the brain causing brain damage. Decreasing the metabolism of the victim may result in a decrease of ischemia reperfusion injury. Reducing the oxygen level that enters the body when the victim revives and slowly increasing this level may also reduce reperfusion injury. However, current procedures dictate that 100% oxygen be given to cardiac arrest victim. Show less
