Double cardiac arrest is an exceptionally uncommon and perilous medical crisis that may manifest in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors for cardiac issues.
Brazilian fitness influencer Larissa Borges, aged 33, tragically passed away as a result of a double cardiac arrest, leaving her fans and family in a state of shock and disbelief. This devastating incident unfolded when Borges initially experienced a cardiac arrest that left her in a coma, followed by a second, fatal cardiac arrest that ultimately claimed her life. Cardiac arrest occurs abruptly and unexpectedly when the heart ceases to pump blood effectively, leading to an interruption of blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Individuals with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and those who engage in smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are at a heightened risk of experiencing cardiac arrest.
“Cardiac arrests are the result of specific types of arrhythmias, which are abnormalities in the heart’s rate or rhythm, leading to the heart’s inability to effectively pump blood,” explains Dr. Kunal Sinkar, Consultant Cardiologist at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, Mumbai.
It’s essential to understand that cardiac arrest and heart attack are not interchangeable terms but rather distinct medical events.
“A sudden heart attack differs from a cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart is blocked. However, a blockage is not the primary cause of sudden cardiac arrest. A heart attack can potentially alter the heart’s electrical activity, potentially leading to a rapid cardiac arrest,” explains the expert.
Symptoms of cardiac arrest include:
– Chest pain or discomfort
– Increased heartbeat
– Unexplained wheezing
– Shortness of breath
– Dizziness
Now, let’s delve into the concept of double cardiac arrest:
“Double cardiac arrest takes place when both the heart’s atria and ventricles simultaneously experience cardiac arrest. In a typical cardiac arrest scenario, an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) would affect either the atria or the ventricles, resulting in inefficient pumping of blood. When both the atria and ventricles fail simultaneously, it becomes a particularly severe and life-threatening situation because the heart can no longer pump blood effectively, depriving essential organs, including the brain, of oxygen and blood supply,” Dr Sinkar clarifies.
So, what causes double cardiac arrest?
Double cardiac arrest is an exceedingly rare and perilous medical emergency that can manifest in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors for cardiac issues.
“Cardiac arrest is more likely to occur in individuals with a history of coronary artery disease or significant blockages in the heart arteries. Heart attack-related damage to the heart muscle and disruptions in the heart’s electrical conduction system can lead to cardiac arrest. A family history of sudden cardiac arrest or certain heart conditions may indicate an elevated risk. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and family history can also contribute to the risk of cardiac arrest,” Dr. Sinkar points out.
So, how can double cardiac arrest be treated or prevented?
Double cardiac arrest is more life-threatening than conventional cardiac arrest, but timely intervention can improve the chances of survival.
“Survival rates are generally lower in cases of double cardiac arrest compared to single-chamber cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, it is not always a fatal outcome. Swift and effective actions like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation can be life-saving interventions when initiated within the first few minutes following the incident,” highlights Dr. Sinkar.
