Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2017 Dec;161(4):348-353. doi: 10.5507/bp.2017.054. Epub 2017 Dec 13.

Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death in developed industrial countries. The global worldwide average of OHCA incidence in adults is 95.9/100,000/year. European incidences vary according to source from 16 to 119/100,000/year. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of current information on OHCA. The incidences in various populations are discussed, along with the factors affecting the prognosis and outcome of these patients. The etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms are also described, especially in relation to the most common causes - acute and chronic forms of coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies. Measures that could improve survival rates are discussed, with emphasis on the role of the general public and deployment of automatic external defibrillators.

Keywords: cardiac arrest; epidemiology; out of hospital cardiac arrest; sudden cardiac death.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Defibrillators
  • Health Education
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest / epidemiology*
  • Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest / etiology
  • Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest / physiopathology*
  • Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Survival Rate