Lisa Marie Presley’s Cause of Death, Secondary Cardiac Arrest; How Does It Differ From Normal Heart Attack?

New information has come to light about the death of Lisa Marie Presley, who passed away after a second cardiac arrest while hospitalized. The 54-year-old was declared brain dead after being rushed to the hospital on Thursday and was placed in an induced coma by doctors. According to SkyNews, Presley's family decided not to revive her in the event of another cardiac arrest. It was reported that the singer was discovered unresponsive in her California home around 10:30 am on Thursday, having suffered a cardiac arrest.

TMZ reports that Lisa Marie Presley's ex-husband, Danny Keough, attempted to revive her with CPR before paramedics arrived. Despite receiving an "epinephrine" shot to regain her pulse, her heart stopped again while in the hospital. The publication states that an autopsy has been conducted; however, the official cause of death is pending toxicology test results. The toxicology report will determine if Presley had any drugs in her system at the time of her death.

Primary and Secondary Cardiac Arrest

Primary cardiac arrest is characterized by a sudden and unexpected loss of consciousness and responsiveness in a person who has been witnessed collapsing. It is often accompanied by gasping, which provides some ventilation but indicates a cardiac arrest. When chest-compression-only CPR is performed, the person may continue to gasp, and in such cases, assisted ventilation is not necessary for an extended period.

On the other hand, Secondary cardiac arrest results from a problem outside the heart, such as drowning, drug overdose, or respiratory failure. In these cases, chest compressions and breaths are recommended for people experiencing respiratory arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of mortality, with around 350,000 cases occurring annually outside of a hospital setting in the United States. By performing Hands-Only CPR to the rhythm of the disco song "Stayin' Alive," the chances of survival for the victim can be increased by up to three times, as reported by Heart.org.

Lisa Marie Presley died after suffering a second cardiac arrest while hospitalised, new details reveal.
Lisa Marie Presley died after suffering a second cardiac arrest while hospitalised, new details reveal. Michael Tran/FilmMagic.

Sudden Heart Attack

Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the heart. However, in some cases, a heart attack can lead to an electrical disturbance that causes sudden cardiac arrest. If left untreated, sudden cardiac arrest can be fatal. However, with prompt and appropriate medical care, survival is possible. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using a defibrillator or chest compressions alone can increase the chances of survival until emergency responders arrive, following a Mayo Clinic report.

Lisa Marie Presley's mother, Priscilla, confirmed her daughter's death to People Magazine on Thursday. In an emotional statement. Presley was last seen at the Golden Globes Awards on Tuesday in Beverly Hills, where the film "Elvis" was nominated. She attended the Golden Globe Awards with her mother and was later photographed with actor Austin Butler who played her father in the Baz Luhrmann biopic.

The news of her death has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry, as celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the singer and only child of Elvis Presley. Actor Baz Luhrmann published a touching commendation on his Instagram and an image of Presley and Butler.

Check out more news and information on Heart Health in Science Times.

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