Cardiomyopathy Symptoms and a BLS Certification Memphis Program

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that in most cases causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick or rigid. Some people with cardiomyopathy never have signs or symptoms. Others don’t have signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. So, it is important to identify those who might be at a higher risk for the disease. Before furthering with our discussion, read to know more about the valuable CPR techniques.

Proper administration of the CPR procedures (that comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths) can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Make sure to train in an accredited training center such as the AHA certified CPR Memphis. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers so do go through the course curriculum to select the right course. Here’s a brief description about a BLS certification Memphis program:

BLS Training Classes- Basic Life Support (BLS) is the CPR course required for Students in Healthcare and Medical Related Programs. This class is American Heart Association certified, and satisfies all CPR requirements for nursing school, medical school, dental school, pharmacy school and all other healthcare related school programs in Memphis, TN. This course teaches Basic Life Support for infants, adults, and children. In this class you will learn how to perform the following in emergency situations for infants, adults, and children.

1.      CPR for infants, children and adults

2.      Proper Chest Compressions

3.      Rescue Breathing

4.      Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training

5.      Choking Intervention and much more

The course fee is $70.

Signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy include:

1.      Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially with physical exertion

2.      Fatigue

3.      Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and veins in the neck

4.      Dizziness

5.      Lightheadedness

6.      Fainting during physical activity

7.      Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

8.      Chest pain, especially after physical exertion or heavy meals

9.      Heart murmurs (unusual sounds associated with heartbeats)

Signs and symptoms of heart failure usually occur in the later stages of cardiomyopathy with the weakening of the heart.

Diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy:

A doctor diagnoses cardiomyopathy based on an individual’s medical history, family history, a physical exam and diagnostic test results. It is mostly a cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist that diagnoses and treats cardiomyopathy. These doctors specialize in heart diseases.

Physical Examination- A doctor will listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope for sounds that may suggest cardiomyopathy. For instance, the loudness, timing and location of a heart murmur may suggest obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A “crackling” sound in the lungs may be a sign of heart failure.

Some of the diagnostic tests include blood tests, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), Holter and event monitor, echocardiogram and stress test.

Hope, this information comes for your help. Do go for regular health check-ups to assess your risk for any disease especially heart disease.

Sign up for a program at CPR Memphis which you can either do online or call on 901-438-4200 for the same.