Why should hyperventilation be avoided in cardiac arrest patients?

Hyperventilation should be avoided in cardiac arrest patients because it decreases blood return to the heart. When a patient is ventilated too rapidly, the intrathoracic pressure can rise significantly. This increased pressure can compress the heart and great vessels, making it more difficult for blood to return to the heart during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle. Consequently, this impairs venous return, which is crucial for effective circulation and the restoration of spontaneous circulation during resuscitation efforts. Maintaining proper ventilatory rates helps to optimize hemodynamics and supports better outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.