What actually happens before we die? (Image: Getty images)

Health expert reveals whether people are aware they are dying during a cardiac arrest

by · Daily Record

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Death is a topic not a lot of people are comfortable talking about, but it is a natural part of life. It can be hard to talk about a loved one who has past, or to come to terms with your own mortality, when a lot of parts of death are left unanswered.

People who are curious about what happens before you die may think about what it feels like if you are aware you are dying and if you see a flash of light or a highlight reel of your life. For those who are wondering, you're in luck, as experts at Very Well Health have revealed the answers to such burning questions.

The experts explain that when someone is dying there are many physical and mental changes that take place, such as increased fatigue, confusion, abnormal breathing and bladder changes. However, the Mirror explains that you may experience none of these ailments if you end up dying in your sleep, from a non-painful condition, or under the influence of medication.

Based on a study conducted in 2014, that interviewed 140 survivors of cardiac arrests, Very Well Health states: "It isn't clear how long a person who is dying retains awareness of what is going on around them, but research suggests that some degree of awareness may remain even after the person slips from consciousness."

Study has shown that patients may be able to hear loved ones as they talk to them. (Image: Getty Images)

A cardiac arrest is when your heart stops beating suddenly. If not treated immediately, the lack of blood flow to the brain and other organs can cause a person to stop breathing and become unconscious, disabled or die.

The study found that 46 percent of survivors interviewed had memories that included seven major themes - fear, animals or plants, a bright light, violence, deja-vu, family, or recalling events post cardiac arrest. The study said: "Nine percent had NDEs (near death experience), while two per cent described awareness with explicit recall of 'seeing' and 'hearing' actual events related to their resuscitation. One had a verifiable period of conscious awareness during which time cerebral function was not expected."

More medicine news

Many people can fall into a coma before they pass away. In this deep state you may still be able to hear and understand what is happening around you, even though the body seems as though it has shut down completely. This has been shown in a 2020 study into the hearing of palliative care patients who are close to death.

Experts explain: "Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure the dying brain's response to sound. The findings suggest that telling a person you love them in their final moments may register with them."

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