What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children?

The most common cause of cardiac arrest in children is respiratory failure or shock. In the pediatric population, cardiac arrest is often preceded by respiratory issues. Conditions such as severe asthma attacks, pneumonia, or other respiratory illnesses can lead to a significant decrease in oxygen levels in the body, causing the heart to stop beating effectively.

Unlike adults, where underlying heart disease is a more frequent cause of cardiac arrest, children typically experience cardiac arrest as a secondary event, usually stemming from respiratory problems. Respiratory failure can lead to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen), which then results in cardiac arrest. This difference underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing respiratory issues in children promptly to prevent the progression to cardiac arrest.

While trauma and drug overdose can also lead to cardiac arrest, they occur less frequently than respiratory conditions in the pediatric population. Understanding this can help caregivers and healthcare providers focus on prevention and early interventions that specifically target respiratory health in children.