What does secondary cardiac arrest refer to?

Secondary cardiac arrest specifically refers to a situation where the heart stops beating as a direct result of systemic issues such as a lack of oxygen in the body. This type of arrest typically arises following respiratory failure or severe hypoxia, as the body's demand for oxygen is not met, leading to eventual cardiac failure.

In this context, when the body suffers from insufficient oxygen supply—whether due to drowning, choking, or respiratory problems—organs are deprived of the necessary oxygen to function, which can culminate in cardiac arrest. This underscores the distinction between secondary cardiac arrest and other types of cardiac arrest, such as those directly related to primary cardiac issues, which might stem from intrinsic heart conditions or arrhythmias.