Detect Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack; How CPR Saved Young Boy’s Life in Vijayawada?

The heart is a cardiac muscle in the chest, safely under the rib cage. The fist-sized organ pumps the blood using blood vessels to every cell and organ of the body 24/7, non-stop. It has to pump the blood for itself to survive, and any functional issues of the heart muscle or any disruptions in the blood-pumping process can be fatal for life. We are dealing with two different problems of the heart: one is cardiac arrest, and the other is a heart attack. First, let us understand techniques like CPR to prevent, detect, and escape them.

Doctor Performs CPR on Road, Saves Life!

What is a Cardiac Arrest?

The heart typically beats at an average of 60–100 beats per minute (bpm). When the heart suddenly stops beating due to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), it leads to sudden cardiac arrest.

Heart Arrhythmia

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Heart Arrhythmia

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The electric signals in the heart begin from the Sinoatrial node (SA node). If these electric signals don't work properly, leading to an irregular heartbeat, then the condition is termed heart arrhythmia.

Symptoms of cardiac arrest

1. The feeling of palpitations (feelings or sensations that your heart is pounding or racing.)
2. Discomfort in the chest
3. Shortness of breath
4. Feeling Weak
5. Sudden collapse
6. Loss of consciousness
7. No pulse (can't find movement of blood through arteries; can be found by touching blood vessels near the wrist or neck)

How do you save a person suffering sudden cardiac arrest?

Whenever we see a person with the symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, we need to call emergency services (an ambulance). While it is arriving at your location, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the person.

CPR is an emergency lifesaving method that is performed on a person to save their life.

CPR First Aid

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CPR First Aid

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Blood movement as you do CPR

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Blood movement as you do CPR

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In this method, lie down on the person, place both hands shown in the picture on the chest area of the person, and push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute. As you push hard, you are helping the person stay alive, as with every push, the blood keeps moving to vital organs of the person, like the brain and heart itself.

Also, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (blowing air into the person's mouth) two times after every 30 pushes.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

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Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

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What is a heart attack?

Also called myocardial infarction, it occurs when blood flow in the heart arteries is either obstructed by a fat deposit or a blood clot. This obstruction leads to infarction (tissue death) of the heart muscle.

Heart attack

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Heart attack

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Symptoms of heart attack

1. Pain or discomfort of the left shoulder, which slowly spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw, teeth, and even the upper belly portion
2. Feeling of heartburn or indigestion
3. Cold sweat
4. Chest pain
5. Dizziness
6. Shortness of breath
7. Nausea

Women have alleviated symptoms of neck pain more than chest pain.

How to help a heart attack victim?

Immediately call emergency services (an ambulance). Before it arrives, ensure that the person is getting enough free air and make the person sit or lean on a chair or wall.

Any unresponsive person may be given CPR.

What are some important ways to avoid heart problems?

1. Avoid smoking, using tobacco, or drinking alcohol. They contain chemicals that can damage the heart and blood vessels. They also lower the oxygen in the blood, which is crucial for the survival of cells and organs.
2. Exercise: Aim for 30–60 minutes of daily exercise and physical activity to reduce fat and keep weight under control
3. Eat healthy food: Include fresh leafy vegetables, beans, and fruits in your diet. Replace snacks like chips and fries with healthy options like sprouts and fruits.
4. Fruits like oranges are important for a healthy heart as they support good cholesterol buildup and healthy blood vessels. They can be consumed in the morning.
5. Garlic also reduces cholesterol levels and helps improve heart health.

Keep your heart healthy, always!