Cardiac Arrest complications

Posted by Eleanor on April 23, 1999 at 13:34:37
I have been surfing the web for information on complications after a cardiac arrest.  I found a web page that gave very technical information which I don't understand.  
Can you tell me in lay terms what the following condition is and what the symptoms would be?
"Common complications include PULMONARY ASPIRATION OF ORAL OR GASTRIC CONTENTS"
The page also states, "PULMONARY ASPIRATION OFTEN RESULTS IN HYPOVOLAEMIA AS THE CHEMICAL IRRITATION OF THE LUNG LEADS TO PLASMA VOLUME LOSS INTO THE PULMONARY INTERSTITIUM"  What does this mean in lay terms and what would the symptoms be?
"LESS COMMON BUT MORE TROUBLESOME COMPLICATIONS INCLUDE RUPTURE OF THE LIVER OR STOMACH"  If this occured...what would the symptoms be and would they be evident immeidiately or could the liver or stomach rupture go unnoticed for three or four weeks?
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC on April 23, 1999 at 17:34:03

Common complications include PULMONARY ASPIRATION OF ORAL OR GASTRIC CONTENTS"
Translation: Sucking vomit into the lungs.
The page also states, "PULMONARY ASPIRATION OFTEN RESULTS IN HYPOVOLAEMIA AS THE CHEMICAL IRRITATION OF THE LUNG LEADS TO PLASMA VOLUME LOSS INTO THE PULMONARY INTERSTITIUM" What does this mean in lay terms and what would the symptoms be?
Translation: The lungs become "leaky" due to the stomach acid and this causes "water" on the lung.
"LESS COMMON BUT MORE TROUBLESOME COMPLICATIONS INCLUDE RUPTURE OF THE LIVER OR STOMACH"
Translation: catastrophic complications that usually lead to death.
Q: If this occured...what would the symptoms be and would they be evident immeidiately?
A: Yes.
Q;or could the liver or stomach rupture go unnoticed for three or four weeks?
A: No.