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Immediate Care for Cardiac Arrest in Williamsport, PA

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops functioning or beating. A person suffering from cardiac arrest loses consciousness and stops breathing -- they have no pulse or blood pressure. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack, because during a heart attack, the heart usually continues to beat. Without a heartbeat, blood stops pumping to the brain and other vital organs, which can quickly lead to death.

Cardiac arrest requires emergency medical attention. Call 911 for immediate help.

Cardiac Arrest Symptoms

Symptoms of cardiac arrest are very recognizable. When someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, they will lose consciousness and collapse. There will be no pulse, and the person will not respond to voices, sounds or physical touch. A person with cardiac arrest will also stop breathing.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest may include:

  • A feeling like your heart is pounding
  • Fainting
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
  • Rapid or slower than normal pulse
  • Shortness of breath

If you have any of the symptoms of cardiac arrest listed above, seek emergency medical care right away or call 911.

Skilled cardiology providers at UPMC offer emergency treatment for cardiac arrest in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas. To learn more about our cardiology services, Find a Provider at UPMC.

Cardiac Arrest Causes

Heart arrhythmias, specifically ventricular fibrillation, are the most common cause of cardiac arrest. Men are twice as likely as women to experience cardiac arrest. Other factors that increase cardiac arrest risk include:

The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC is dedicated to providing people of all ages with exceptional care to treat and prevent cardiac arrest in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.