Why Cardiac Arrests Happen In The Bathroom Often

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that can be deadly if not treated in time. This life-threatening condition is caused when your heart suddenly stops beating.

According to healthline, When cardiac arrest occurs in the bathroom, it can be especially dangerous due to the fact that the patient is often alone and unable to call for help. It is also often difficult for even medical professionals to locate the patient in time to start life-saving interventions.

It is estimated that around one-third of all cardiac arrests occur in the bathroom every year. Although bathroom-related fatalities can occur for numerous reasons, a large percentage of them are due to cardiac arrest. Knowing the common causes and risk factors associated with cardiac arrests in the bathroom can help you prevent them or recognize the signs and get help quickly.

The most common cause of cardiac arrest in the bathroom is drowning or near drowning, which accounts for around 45% of all bathroom-related fatalities. Other causes include electrocution, drugs or alcohol overdose, fainting, or cardiac arrhythmias.

Risk factors for cardiac arrest in the bathroom include age, gender, certain health conditions, certain medications and activities like swimming. In general, men are at greater risk of developing a cardiac arrest in the bathroom than women.

People aged 40 and above are more susceptible to bathroom-related cardiac arrests because of their increased risk for various cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Certain medical conditions like diabetes and heart failure can also increase the risk for cardiac arrest in the bathroom. There are also certain medications that can put users at a greater risk, such as those that cause low blood pressure or slow down the heart rate.

Finally, activities like taking a bath or a shower can make you more susceptible to cardiac arrest due to the sudden changes in water temperature. There is also risk when swimming in pools or open waters that may be too deep or have strong currents.

To reduce the risk of suffering a cardiac arrest in the bathroom, you can make sure that the room is safe. Make sure that you have railings to hold on to and a lockable door so that you can call for help if necessary.

You should also be aware of your risk factors and consult your doctor if you have any underlying health conditions or take any medications that increase your risk.

If you witness a bathroom-related cardiac arrest, the most important thing to do is stay calm and call for help. Most jurisdictions have provisions for medical emergencies, but if you are unsure, you can call 911 to connect with the local emergency response team.

If you found the person unresponsive in a pool or open water, make sure to take them out carefully and use a defibrillator if available. It is also important to start rescue breathing and chest compressions as soon as possible in order to provide the patient with the necessary oxygen and improve their chances of survival.

Finally, when someone is suffering from cardiac arrest, you should do your best to remain calm and supportive. You can often be the difference between life and death, so ensure you keep your patient safe and comfortable until medical professionals arrive.

In summary, cardiac arrest can be a frightening, life-threatening event that requires immediate medical attention. It is more likely to occur in the bathroom due to an increased risk for drowning, electrocution, drug overdose, fainting and certain health conditions. Knowing the common causes and risk factors can help you recognize the signs and get help quickly. The best way to prevent bathroom-related cardiac arrests is to be aware of your risk factors and take the necessary precautions. If you witness a bathroom-related cardiac arrest, remain calm and call for help.