Distinction between Cardiovascular Collapse, Cardiac Arrest, and Death

Distinction between Cardiovascular Collapse, Cardiac Arrest, and Death

Term-
Cardiovascular collapse
Definition-
Sudden loss of effective blood flow due to cardiac and/or peripheral vascular factors that may reverse spontaneously (e.g., neurocardiogenic syncope, vasovagal syncope) or require interventions (e.g., cardiac arrest)
Qualifiers-
Nonspecific term: includes cardiac arrest and its consequences and transient events that characteristically revert spontaneously
Mechanisms-
Same as "Cardiac Arrest," plus vasodepressor syncope or other causes of transient loss of blood flow
Term-
Cardiac arrest

Definition-
Abrupt cessation of cardiac mechanical function, which may be reversible by a prompt intervention but will lead to death in its absence
Qualifiers-
Rare spontaneous reversions; likelihood of successful intervention relates to mechanism of arrest, clinical setting, and prompt return of circulation
Mechanisms-
Ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, asystole, bradycardia, pulseless electrical activity, mechanical factors
Term-
Sudden cardiac death
Definition-
Sudden, irreversible cessation of all biological functions
Qualifiers-
None