Nana Patekar passes away at 75: Does cardiac arrest always cause sudden death, and how can CPR help?

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Though he was rushed to the hospital and CPR was performed, he could not be revived.

Nana Patekar's passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Indian cinema. A three-time National Award winner celebrated for his explosive intensity, raw dialogue delivery, and unmatched versatility, his legacy spans iconic roles in classics like Parinda, Krantiveer, Agni Sakshi, Ab Tak Chappan, and Welcome.

What happens during a cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest and a heart attack are two different conditions, though people mistakenly use them interchangeably. In the case of cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to suddenly beat erratically or stop beating entirely. During this condition, the person collapses, loses consciousness, and stops breathing normally.

"Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, although a heart attack can sometimes trigger a cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively, causing the person to lose consciousness and stop breathing normally. It is a medical emergency where every minute matters," said Dr Anshul Kumar Jain, director, cardiology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

It is an immediate life-threatening emergency. Brain death can occur within minutes without intervention.

"A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. The person is usually conscious and breathing, although symptoms can be severe. Recognising this distinction is crucial because both conditions require urgent medical attention, but the immediate response is different," said Dr Jain.

Can cardiac arrest result in sudden death?

Cardiac arrest often results in sudden death. Cardiac arrest could lead to a fatal outcome within minutes, often referred to as Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD).

During cardiac arrest, the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing it to stop pumping blood to the rest of the body.

*Immediate cessation of blood flow: When the heart stops pumping, oxygenated blood stops reaching vital organs, including the brain.

*Loss of consciousness: Within seconds of cardiac arrest, a person loses consciousness and stops breathing normally.

*Brain damage: Without required oxygen, brain damage can begin in as little as 3 to 4 minutes, and brain death occurs shortly thereafter if circulation is not restored.

Crucial role of CPR

Outside of a hospital, cardiac arrest is fatal in nearly 90% of cases. However, sudden death is not inevitable if immediate medical action is taken. Immediate CPR play a crucial role in saving lives.

"CPR does not ‘restart’ the heart in most cases; rather, it helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until an automated external defibrillator (AED) or advanced medical care can restore an effective heart rhythm. Immediate, high-quality CPR can therefore make the difference between life and death," said Dr Jain.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) keeps blood circulating to the brain and vital organs, which can double or triple a victim's chance of survival.