What is Lazarus Syndrome Where Heart Comes Back to Life After it Stops Beating?

While there are reportedly almost 100 or even fewer such cases, Lazarus syndrome surprises not only patients but also doctors.

There are plenty of stories that occasionally make headlines about people declared dead coming back to life moments later. It sounds incredible but intriguing at the same time. There are several questions as to how this could happen, is this possible? How can one who has been pronounced dead come back to life? But there seems to be a medical explanation for some of this. It’s called Lazarus syndrome. Lazarus syndrome, also known as self-resuscitation or delayed return of spontaneous circulation, is a rare phenomenon that occurs when a patient resumes circulation spontaneously after failed resuscitation attempts.

In this syndrome, blood circulation returns spontaneously after the heart stops beating and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) fails.

What is Lazarus Syndrome?

The name is derived from a mythological character: Lazarus. Lazarus is a character in the Bible who is said to have been brought back to life by Jesus after he was pronounced dead 4 days earlier. Since he has returned from the situation of death, he is named after the character Lazarus.

According to Healthline, based on 2020 research, in most documented cases of Lazarus syndrome, circulation typically returns within 10 minutes of stopping CPR.

What leads to Lazarus Syndrome?

India.com contacted Dr. Rushikesh Patil, Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, who further explained all about this rare syndrome. The exact causes of Lazarus syndrome are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors. These factors include a delay in the completion of resuscitative efforts, the presence of residual cardiac activity despite the absence of a detectable pulse, and reperfusion of the heart and brain after completion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

aftermath of Lazarus

Side effects in patients experiencing Lazarus syndrome can vary. Due to the long duration of cardiac arrest and subsequent resuscitation, patients may experience neurological complications such as brain damage, seizures, or cognitive deficits. They may also develop psychological trauma and emotional problems as a result of the near-death experience.

There is no particular age group that is affected by it. It can happen to anyone who leaves the medical fraternity surprised.

Each case is unique, and the long-term prognosis and recovery of people who survive Lazarus syndrome depend on several factors, including the duration of cardiac arrest, the quality of CPR, and prompt treatment of any associated complications. To aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of these patients, comprehensive care, including neurological evaluations and appropriate psychological support, by medical personnel is essential.