Cardiac arrest due to underlying cardiac condition

This code signifies a sudden cessation of cardiac mechanical activity resulting from a pre-existing heart disease. It indicates that the heart's pumping function has stopped, leading to a lack of blood flow to vital organs, and that an underlying cardiac issue is the direct cause.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states cardiac arrest and specifies an underlying cardiac etiology, such as ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or severe arrhythmia. This code is appropriate when the cardiac arrest is the immediate consequence of a known or diagnosed heart condition.

• Always sequence this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not use this code if the cardiac arrest is due to a non-cardiac cause (e.g., trauma, overdose, respiratory failure).
• Ensure the medical record explicitly links the cardiac arrest to a specific underlying cardiac condition; avoid assumptions.