Cardiac Arrest: Understanding the Silent Killer Introduction Every year, millions of people around the world lose their lives suddenly due to cardiac arrest — a condition that can strike without warning and without mercy. Unlike a heart attack, which often gives early signs such as chest pain or fatigue, cardiac arrest stops the heart’s rhythm entirely, halting the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. Without immediate intervention — within just four to six minutes — the lack of oxygen can cause permanent brain damage or death. Cardiac arrest is not just a medical emergency; it is a public health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Heart Association (AHA), sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for up to fifteen to twenty percent of all global deaths annually. Despite its prevalence, many people do not know how to recognize it, what causes it, or how t...
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