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Cardiac arrest refers to a critical medical condition characterized by the sudden cessation of effective heart function. This means that the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively, leading to impaired circulation. When cardiac arrest occurs, blood ceases to flow to vital organs, including the brain, resulting in a loss of consciousness and the cessation of breathing. The failure of both the circulatory and respiratory systems essentially means that the body is deprived of oxygen, which can lead to irreversible damage if not addressed immediately.

The other options, while related to various medical conditions, do not accurately represent what cardiac arrest entails. Severe muscle contractions might refer to conditions such as seizures or spasms, a sudden drop in blood sugar relates to hypoglycemia, and prolonged unconsciousness could stem from numerous causes like brain injury or drug overdose, but none define the specific event of cardiac arrest itself. Understanding this key definition is critical for effective emergency responses and for recognizing the importance of immediate medical intervention in such scenarios.