Cardiovascular or cardiac emergencies like cardiac arrest and heart attack are life-threatening situations that can happen anytime. With prompt recognition of symptoms and immediate intervention, death can be avoided.
Cardiac Arrest: Also known as sudden cessation of cardiac activity. It is characterized by a sudden loss of heart function, pulse, breathing and consciousness that is usually triggered by the heart’s electrical malfunctioning. The heart’s pumping action is suddenly disrupted and the blood supply to all the vital organs is stopped. If the treatment is delayed, it can lead to death. Cardiac arrest often occurs without any warning, and irrespective of the age group.
Heart Attack: Also called myocardial infarction, heart attack is caused by narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries (blood vessels supplying to the heart) due to build-up of plaque. This causes poor blood and oxygen supply to the heart resulting in the rapid death of the heart tissues. The early symptoms of a heart attack may include sudden and extreme chest pain, chest heaviness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, sweating, nausea and vomiting, radiating pain to the jaw, upper portion of neck, radiating towards left arm and the little finger. It can also present has a pain in the right side of the chest.
What to do in case of a cardiac emergency?
Cardiac emergencies can strike you or your loved one without warning and can be scary. Don’t worry!!! Majority have survived and are leading a healthy and productive life with timely treatment.
– Call an ambulance service or the nearest hospital.
-You can also call your family or a friend, who can take you to the nearest hospital.
– Avoid driving yourself to the hospital, as you may put yourself as well as others in danger.
– Make sure to reach the hospital as quickly as possible without any delay so that your doctor can take fast action to save your life with good outcomes.
