ETIOLOGY CARDIAC ARREST

The main underlying causes are ischemic heart disease (62.2%), unspecified
cardiovascular disease (12.1%), and cardiomyopathy/dysrhythmias (9.3%).

Sudden cardiac arrest is the term used to describe the ultimate result of 4 different
cardiac arrhythmias: ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF),
pulseless electrical activity (PEA), and asystole. Each of these rhythms may present in
different clinical scenarios, though VT and VF are the most common causes of
sudden cardiac arrest.

VT and VF are most often the result of ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial
ischemia.They may also present in the setting of nonischemic left ventricular
dysfunction,premature ventricular beats (R-on-T phenomenon), prolonged QT
interval secondary to medications, electrolyte abnormalities, familial syndromes of
conduction abnormality (disorders in cardiac ion channels),other cardiomyopathies,
and drug intoxications (e.g., cocaine).

The most common causes of PEA are myocardial ischemia/infarction, hypovolemia,

hypoxia, and pulmonary embolism.

Other potential causes of cardiac arrest, all of which require emergent treatment,
include hypoxia, hypovolemia, hyperkalemia, hydrogen ion excess (acidosis),
hypothermia, hypo- or hyperglycemia, trauma, tension pneumothorax, obstructive
shock (pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction), toxins, and cardiac tamponade.

Reference: https://online.epocrates.com/diseases/28324/Cardiac-arrest/Etiology