Background Spinal anesthesia has several advantages such as the indications for many kinds of surgeries, a complete blockade and less complications. During last over twenty years, spinal anesthesia has become prevalent in anesthetic practice owing to the technical improvement of spinal anesthesia. However, spinal anesthesia can lead to a serious complication, that is, cardiac arrest. If it is left untreated promptly, the complication could result in severe losses. Objective This study is aimed to understand the incident rate of cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia and its mechanism, as well as to find out how to prevent and treat it. Content The study reviews the incident rate of cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia as well as its mechanism. It initially describes the prevention and the treatment for the complication. Trend A more accurate incident rate of cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia should be achieved. The new study should also describe in details its mechanism as well as how to prevent and treat it.