The brain cannot survive without oxygen, and honestly, it can't last long without it. It is one of the most oxygen-dependent organs we have. Even though it makes up only about 2 percent of total body weight, it uses roughly 20 percent of the body's oxygen supply. Other organs can manage a little because they carry small reserves, yet the brain is different. It has very limited storage, so when circulation is cut off even briefly, it becomes extremely fragile. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sumeet Pawar, MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), minimally invasive brain and spine surgeon, explains what happens when blood flow to the brain stops.
Dr Sumeet highlighted that a heart attack and a cardiac arrest are basically not the same thing, even though people mix them up a lot. A heart attack happens when the blood supply to the heart muscle gets blocked, and still, the heart often keeps beating, at least for a while. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood in a useful way. In cardiac arrest, the blood flow to the brain goes away almost right away, and that turns it into a real life-threatening situation.
Dr Sumeet said, “When oxygen-rich blood no longer makes it to the brain, the cells start misfiring within seconds. Usually, the person goes unconscious after 10 to 20 seconds.” If circulation isn't brought back within 3 to 5 minutes, irreversible damage to the brain tissue can begin. The longer the brain sits without oxygen, the higher the chance of lasting neurological harm, such as memory trouble, problems with speech, movement issues, or possibly brain death.
According to Dr Sumeet, doing CPR right away helps keep a small, but still critical, trickle of blood moving to the brain until further medical care actually arrives. Early defibrillation, when it’s appropriate, can boost the odds of survival quite a lot. It also tends to lower the risk of long-term brain injury.
People who get through a cardiac arrest might return to normal; other patients—depending on how long the oxygen was cut off—can need neurological rehabilitation. Spot it early, call for emergency help immediately, and then follow a structured rehab plan; all of that matters for better results.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Anukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More
