How long can the brain survive without oxygen during a cardiac arrest?

The brain can survive without oxygen for approximately 4 to 6 minutes during a cardiac arrest before the risk of irreversible damage begins to escalate significantly. This time frame is critical because, after about 4 to 6 minutes, brain cells start to die due to the lack of oxygen, which leads to severe neurological impairment or death if circulation is not restored.

This vital time limit emphasizes the importance of timely interventions, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), in a cardiac arrest situation. Immediate CPR can maintain vital blood flow to the brain and other organs until advanced medical treatment can be provided.