Cardiac arrest is a traumatic and often fatal event. It’s also one of the most commonly-occurring codes in the ICD 10. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the ICD 10 code for cardiac arrest means, how it’s used, and what it can tell us about this condition.
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The ICD 10 Code for Cardiac Arrest

The ICD 10 code for cardiac arrest is I46. Cardiac arrest is a sudden stop in the heart’s normal pumping action. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If not treated immediately, it can lead to death.
I46 Cardiac Arrest
Excludes | Code |
cardiogenic shock | (R57.0) |
Some Complicating:-
abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy | (O00-O07, O08.8) |
obstetric surgery and procedures | (O75.4) |
I46.1 Sudden cardiac death, so described
Excludes {sudden death} | Code |
NOS | (R96.-) |
conduction disorder | (I44-I45) |
myocardial infarction | (I21-I22) |
- I46.9 Cardiac arrest, unspecified
What is Cardiac Arrest?
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected death due to a failure of the heart to pump effectively. It is usually caused by an electrical malfunction in the heart. Cardiac arrest can occur in people of any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 40.
When cardiac arrest occurs, the victim will collapse and will be unresponsive. There may also be agonal breaths, which are irregular and often noisy breaths that indicate that the person is in cardiac arrest. If someone witnesses a person having a cardiac arrest, it is important to call 911 immediately and begin CPR if possible.
CPR can help to keep the victim alive until medical help arrives. However, for every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. This means that it is crucial to provide CPR as soon as possible after witnessing a cardiac arrest.
The ICD code for cardiac arrest is I46.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected death from cardiac causes. It usually occurs without warning and is not preceded by chest pain or other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart that disrupts its normal pumping action and causes blood to stop flowing to the brain and other vital organs.
When cardiac arrest occurs, immediate medical attention is required. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) are the only treatments that have been shown to be effective in reverting cardiac arrest. However, survival rates vary widely depending on the cause of cardiac arrest, the speed of response, and the availability of effective medical care.
The most common symptom of cardiac arrest is sudden collapse without warning. Other symptoms may include:
- No pulse or heartbeat
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Pale or blue skin tone
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart. It can occur suddenly, or after a gradual buildup of plaque in the arteries (a condition called atherosclerosis) that leads to a heart attack. Cardiac arrest can also be caused by electrolyte abnormalities, such as potassium or magnesium imbalance, or by certain medications.
Treatment for Cardiac Arrest
The most important thing to do if someone has a cardiac arrest is to call 9-1-1 immediately and start CPR. If you are trained in CPR, you should provide chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. If you are not trained in CPR, you should still provide chest compressions at a rate of 30 per minute.
Once emergency medical services arrive, they will assess the situation and may provide additional care, such as defibrillation or administration of medication. The goal of treatment is to restart the heart and restore blood circulation.
In some cases, cardiac arrest can be reversible if it is treated quickly. However, even with treatment, the chances of survival are low. Cardiac arrest is often fatal, so it is important to focus on prevention by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack so that you can seek medical attention early.
Prevention of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. If not treated, cardiac arrest can lead to death.
There are many causes of cardiac arrest, but the most common is an electrical problem with the heart. This can happen if the heart’s electrical system is damaged or if there is a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
There are several things that can be done to prevent cardiac arrest. One is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Another is to get regular medical checkups and to treat any underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve looked at the ICD 10 code for cardiac arrest. This code is used to classify diseases and injuries, and provides a way for healthcare professionals to share information about a patient’s condition. Cardiac arrest is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, so it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis in order to provide the best possible care.