CPR may be done when a person stops breathing or the heart stops beating (like when a person has a heart attack). When it's possible that the person may get better, CPR is important.
However, when a patient has an advanced life-threatening illness (such as cancer) and is dying, CPR may not be the option to choose. It's important for the patient, family members and doctor to talk about this issue before the need arises.
End-of-Life Care: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When is CPR important?
What happens during CPR?
During CPR, the chest is pressed on forcefully. Electric stimulation to the chest and special medicines are sometimes used. This is usually done for 15 to 30 minutes. A tube may also be put through the mouth or nose into the lung. This tube is then connected to a breathing machine.
What happens if CPR isn't done?
A person will become unconscious almost immediately and will die in 5 to 10 minutes.
What are the benefits of CPR?
For a patient with an advanced life-threatening illness who is dying, there are really no benefits.
CPR may prolong life for patients with a better health status or who are younger. CPR may also prolong life if it's done within 5 to 10 minutes of when the person's heart stopped beating or breathing stopped.
CPR may prolong life for patients with a better health status or who are younger. CPR may also prolong life if it's done within 5 to 10 minutes of when the person's heart stopped beating or breathing stopped.
What are the risks of CPR?
Pressing on the chest can cause a sore chest, broken ribs or a collapsed lung. Patients with breathing tubes usually need medicine to keep them comfortable. Most patients who survive will need to be on a breathing machine in the intensive care unit to help them breathe for a while.
Few patients (less than 10 percent) in the hospital who have had CPR survive and are able to function the way they used to. Many patients live for a short time after CPR, but still die in the hospital. CPR may also prolong the dying process.
Patients who have more than one illness usually don't survive after CPR. Almost no one with advanced cancer survives CPR and lives long enough to leave the hospital. Of the few patients who do, many get weaker or have brain damage. Some patients may need to live on a breathing machine for the rest of their lives.
Few patients (less than 10 percent) in the hospital who have had CPR survive and are able to function the way they used to. Many patients live for a short time after CPR, but still die in the hospital. CPR may also prolong the dying process.
Patients who have more than one illness usually don't survive after CPR. Almost no one with advanced cancer survives CPR and lives long enough to leave the hospital. Of the few patients who do, many get weaker or have brain damage. Some patients may need to live on a breathing machine for the rest of their lives.
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Some information in this handout comes from Education for Physicians on End-of-Life Care Trainer's Guide, Module 11, withholding, withdrawing therapy. In: Emanuel LL, von Gunten CJ, Ferris FD. Education for physicians on end-of-life care/Institute for Ethics at the American Medical Association. Chicago, IL: EPEC Project, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 1999.
Withholding and Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment by RJ Ackermann, M.D. (American Family Physician October 1, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20001001/1555.html)
Reviewed/Updated: 07/05
Created: 09/00