Cardiac arrest - What will happen?

Without emergency treatment, cardiac arrest is nearly always fatal. That's why it's so important to dial 999 straight away.

Of the people who live through a cardiac arrest, 8 out of 10 remain unconscious for some time, and many of these never come round before eventually dying.[1]

Only about 2 out of 10 people who are unconscious after a cardiac arrest become conscious again. Some are left with permanent brain damage, which means they can't lead a normal life.[1] If the brain is starved of oxygen for more than about four minutes, brain damage is usually irreversible.

It's hard to say who will recover best.[1] People who are least likely to recover are those who:

Were already very ill before they had their cardiac arrest
Had a long period when their heart wasn't beating
Had poor results on nerve tests carried out after their cardiac arrest.

References

Kaye P. Early prediction of individual outcome following cardiopulmonary resuscitation: systematic review. Emergency Medical Journal. 2005; 22: 700-705.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.