Responding to Cardiac Emergencies: A Guide to Saving Lives

Heart problems can be chronic or acute. Cardiovascular issues cause them. A heart disease, a congenital heart problem, a problem with the circulatory system, especially clogged blood vessels of the heart, can all lead to acute cardiac events or cardiac emergencies.

Common Causes of Cardiac Emergencies

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Plaque buildup narrows the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or heart failure.

• Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms disrupt the electrical signals controlling the heart. Severe arrhythmias can lead to sudden cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.

• Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): A blockage in a coronary artery stops blood flow, damaging the heart muscle. This can cause severe chest pain, long-term heart damage, or death.

• Cardiac Arrest: Sudden cessation of the heart’s ability to pump blood, often caused by arrhythmias. Immediate CPR or defibrillation is necessary to save the person’s life.

• Heart Failure: The heart is unable to pump blood efficiently due to weakened or stiffened heart muscles. It leads to fatigue, fluid buildup, and potentially organ failure.

• Congestive Heart Failure: A type of heart failure where fluid accumulates in the lungs and other parts of the body. This condition makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.

Symptoms of a Cardiac Emergency

Recognizing the signs of a cardiac emergency is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include,

• Chest pain or pressure
• Upper abdominal pain
• Pain in the arm, shoulder, back, jaw, or throat
• Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Anxiety or restlessness

How to Respond to a Cardiac Emergency

Immediate action is essential to saving the life of someone experiencing a heart emergency. If blood supply to the heart’s cardiac muscle is disrupted, the affected tissue will suffer damage and eventually die. If the heart stops, circulation ceases, and all organs are at risk of harm.

Key Steps for Saving a Life During a Cardiac Emergency

• Early Access to Care: Call for an ambulance immediately. Paramedics can initiate emergency treatment on the scene using life-saving equipment.
• Early Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Learning CPR is vital. CPR can keep the person alive and oxygenate their body until professional medical help arrives.
• Early Defibrillation: If the heart is in ventricular fibrillation, delivering an electric shock (defibrillation) is necessary to restore a normal heartbeat.
• Early Advanced Care: After defibrillation, the patient requires advanced medical care at a hospital to treat the underlying cause and prevent future events.

Time Matters in a Cardiac Emergency!

In a cardiac emergency, time is of the utmost importance. If CPR and defibrillation are administered immediately, without waiting for the ambulance, the person has up to a 90% chance of survival. However, with each passing minute, the chances of survival decrease by 10%.

Acting Fast Saves Lives!

If you suspect someone is experiencing a cardiac emergency, do not hesitate. Call for an ambulance immediately. Early intervention is key to saving lives in heart-related emergencies. For more information on heart health and emergencies, consult our cardiologists.