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Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarctionor Cardiac Arrest:: A Medical Emergency by any NameNo matter what names you use, heart attack, myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest, these are medical emergencies.
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute have created a new campaign to teach the public the signs (something another person can see) and symptoms (what the person with the problem feels) of heart attacks including the importance of immediately calling 911. The campaign is called “Act in Time.” Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack/Myocardial InfarctionHeart attacks also known as myocardial infarctions, due to coronary heart disease are the number one killer in America. A heart attack is caused by a blockage in the blood supply to the heart muscle itself, causing damage to the heart muscle. Each of us needs to know our risk factors and reduce them. We need to know the warning signs of a heart attack. A heart attack may happen rapidly or more slowly, so if you see these signs or symptoms call 911 immediately.
Much has been said about women having different signs and symptoms of heart attack than men. Chest pain is the most common symptom for both, but woman are more likely to have other symptoms. Women often exhibit shortness of breath, back and jaw pain, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms can come and stay or disappear for a time only to reappear. Response NeededDenial kills. The sooner the victim can get to the hospital the better the chance of saving a life and reducing the damage that is occurring. Call 911 and get an ambulance. The emergency care providers on the ambulance can start treatment offering the victim the best chance of survival and less damage to the heart. They also can get to the hospital safer than excited family members or friends. Sudden Cardiac ArrestThe American Heart Association reports that annually approximately 310,000 deaths are due to coronary heart disease, of these about 166,200 are sudden cardiac arrests. A sudden cardiac death can occur at any time to anyone. There may be no signs or symptoms. The heart’s electrical system suddenly malfunctions causing the heart to stop. There is no heart beat or pulse. Response NeededA person with no pulse needs 911 called, CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and defibrillation started immediately. The CPR that is recommended today is simple chest compressions at the rate of 100 compressions per minute. Don’t worry about the breathing; there is enough oxygen in the blood for a short time if it is circulated. Many public places have AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) available for use if there is a cardiac episode. These machines, when attached to the victim, read the heart rhythm and direct the responders in what they need to do. The machine may instruct the responders to shock the victim and then continue to perform CPR. Follow the directions of the machine until the ambulance arrives. ConclusionsWhen faced with a cardiac event response must be immediate.
The copyright of the article Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction in First Aid is owned by Naomi Giroux. Permission to republish Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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