CPR in hospitalized patients is generally associated with poor outcomes, as cardiac arrests in this setting often occur in the context of advanced chronic illness rather than an isolated, REVERSIBLE event such as a primary arrhythmia/abnormal heart rhythm . The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all hospitalized patients have advance directives and that clinicians engage in open, honest discussions about prognosis and the realistic likelihood of survival following CPR.

On average, only about 15% (or one in six) patients who receive in-hospital CPR survive to discharge. Outcomes are even worse for patients with advanced cancer, dementia, or kidney failure requiring dialysis, and survivors often experience permanent neurological or functional impairments.

That’s why it’s important to discuss your goals of care with your primary physician. You don’t need to have a terminal diagnosis to start this conversation—it’s about understanding your values and making sure your care aligns with them.

#goalsofcare #palliativemedicine #cpr #palliativecare #primarypalliativecare #advancedirectives