What factor is associated with more favorable outcomes in resuscitation following a cardiac arrest?

The factor associated with more favorable outcomes in resuscitation following a cardiac arrest is having a primary cardiac arrest. A primary cardiac arrest typically refers to a situation where the cardiac arrest is due to an immediate and direct cause, usually related to cardiac issues like arrhythmias or myocardial infarction. When a cardiac arrest is of primary origin, it often indicates that the patient may have had a better underlying cardiovascular condition prior to the arrest, which can lead to a higher chance of successful resuscitation and recovery.

In contrast, situations like a response time greater than 10 minutes can reduce the likelihood of survival because prolonged downtime diminishes the chances of restoring normal heart function. An initial rhythm of asystole is often associated with poorer outcomes as it suggests a more advanced state of cardiac failure. Additionally, age over 85 years can be a factor that complicates resuscitation efforts, as older individuals may have more comorbidities and a degenerating physiological reserve which negatively affects their overall response to resuscitation measures.