A heart
attack is a life-threatening emergency and a victim would require immediate
treatment for survival. It is the death of a segment of heart muscle caused by
a loss of blood supply. The blood is usually cut off when an artery supplying
the muscle is blocked by a blood clot. A victim involved in a cardiac emergency
would require immediate treatment for survival with the only form of
appropriate treatment being proper application of the life-saving CPR
techniques.
The
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation procedures involves chest compressions and rescue
breaths which increases the chances of survival of a victim in the middle of a
life-threatening emergency. For a CPR class Indianapolis, you can sign up for a program at the AHA certified CPR
Indianapolis. Certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of
audio and video lectures and hands-on practice. There are courses for both
healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers.
Symptoms:
Heart attack
is also known as myocardial infarction (MI). There are clear symptoms of it
that require immediate medical attention. Some of the other signs include:
1. coughing
2. nausea
3. vomiting
4. crushing chest pain
5. dizziness
6. shortness of breath called dyspnea
7. face seeming gray in color
8. a feeling of terror that life is ending
9. feeling awful, generally
10. restlessness
11. feeling clammy and sweaty
12. shortness of breath
Some of the
immediate complications of MI include arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, hypoxemia,
pulmonary edema, myocardial rupture, ventricular aneurysm, DVT or deep vein
thrombosis. Some complications that can occur later include aneurysm, angina,
congestive heart failure, edema, pericarditis and so forth.
Treatments- A person experiencing MI might stop
breathing. During such circumstance, CPR should be started with immediate
effect which involves manual chest compressions and a defibrillator. Automated
External Defibrillators are present in most public places these days. One just
needs to get hold of the device and use the device by following the
instructions. The process of defibrillation involves application of an electric
shock to the chest of a victim thus stabilizing the condition of the victim by
normalizing his or her heart rhythm.
After MI,
people most likely require several treatments and medications that include:
1. aspirin and other antiplatelets
2. beta blockers
3. ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors
4. statins
5. angioplasty
6. CABG or coronary artery bypass graft
Preventive Measures:
It is only a
healthy lifestyle that can help prevent a myocardial infarction:
1. quitting smoking
2. eating a balanced, healthful diet
3. getting plenty of exercise
4. getting plenty of good quality sleep
5. keeping diabetes under control
6. keeping alcohol intake down
7. maintaining blood cholesterol at optimum levels
8. keeping blood pressure at a safe level
9. maintaining a healthy body weight
10. avoiding stress where possible
11. learning how to manage stress
Some of the
terms used for heart attack include myocardial infarction, cardiac infarction,
and coronary thrombosis. An infarction is when the blood supply to an area is
cut off, and the tissue in that area dies. MI is often confused for a cardiac
arrest. Remember, a cardiac arrest involves the heart stopping the pumping of
blood around the body. MI can lead to SCA.
Some of the reasons behind occurrence
of MI include:
Age- The risk is higher for men over 45 years of age and for
women over 55 years of age.
Angina- This causes chest pain due to lack
of oxygen or blood supply to the ticker.
High Cholesterol Levels- These can increase the chance of
blood clots in the arteries.
Diet- consuming large quantities of
saturated fats can increase the likelihood of MI.
Hypertension- High blood pressure can put
unnecessary strain on the heart.
Overweight- Being overweight can put pressure
on the heart.
Smoking- The risk is higher for smokers
compared to non-smokers.
Hope, this information proves to be useful.
Contact CPR Indianapolis to sign up for a program which you can do either
online or by visiting the training site.
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