What is the most common cause of death after a lightning strike?

What is the most common cause of death after a lightning strike?

• A. Cardiac/respiratory arrest
• B. Seizure
• C. Traumatic injuries
• D. Renal failure

Answer: (A)

Lightning most commonly leads to death by stopping the heart or stopping breathing. The sudden electrical discharge can trigger lethal heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole and can also cause abrupt apnea. When the heart or lungs cease to function, blood and oxygen delivery collapse within minutes, making cardiac/respiratory arrest the primary cause of fatality after a strike. Traumatic injuries and later complications like renal failure can occur, but they are not the typical immediate cause of death. Prompt resuscitation, including CPR and defibrillation if indicated, is crucial for survival.

Lightning most commonly leads to death by stopping the heart or stopping breathing. The sudden electrical discharge can trigger lethal heart rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole and can also cause abrupt apnea. When the heart or lungs cease to function, blood and oxygen delivery collapse within minutes, making cardiac/respiratory arrest the primary cause of fatality after a strike. Traumatic injuries and later complications like renal failure can occur, but they are not the typical immediate cause of death. Prompt resuscitation, including CPR and defibrillation if indicated, is crucial for survival.