What does cardiac arrest refer to?

Cardiac arrest specifically refers to the condition in which the heart stops beating effectively or ceases to beat altogether. This means that the heart does not pump blood to the rest of the body, resulting in a lack of oxygen to vital organs. It is a critical emergency, as without prompt intervention, such as CPR or defibrillation, cardiac arrest can quickly lead to death.

The other options describe different conditions. A temporary cessation of breathing pertains to respiratory issues, not the heart's function. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, indicates that the heart is beating in an abnormal pattern, which can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest but is not the same condition. Lastly, a sudden increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia, may also occur independently and does not categorize the heart's complete stoppage as seen in cardiac arrest. Understanding these distinctions is vital in recognizing the seriousness of cardiac arrest and the immediate response it requires.