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Learn About The Causes Of A Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest

People often confuse a heart attack and a cardiac arrest. The similarity ends at both being life-threatening heart conditions. A person struck with either of the two would need swift treatment, or it may cost the person his life. The symptoms and causes vary for both the conditions, and knowing the difference can contribute towards an individual’s survival.

A cardiac arrest occurs all of a sudden with the ticker suddenly stopping beating. A heart attack (myocardial infarction- MI) can cause a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). An individual struck with SCA will become unconscious and collapse. The person will require treatment with CPR and AED (available in most public places) to survive. Proper application of the CPR procedure (chest compressions and rescue breaths) will stabilise the condition of the person (by keeping oxygenated blood flowing through the body) until the arrival of emergency medical services. This highlights the importance of CPR training on the part of one and all. The good part is CPR classes at AHA accredited training sites are designed for both health care and non-health care providers.

An MI takes place when blood supply to the heart muscle stops due to clogging of the coronary arteries due to formation of a blood clot. A person will need immediate treatment for minimal damage to the ticker. Symptoms include intense chest pain that may radiate to the jaw, arms, neck, back or stomach.

Causes of SCA- Heart attack; a family history; a fast or slow rhythm; a blow to the chest; cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease); degradation of the electric cells.

Causes of MI- Increasing age; smoking; obesity; too much alcohol consumption; poor dietary choices; genetic predisposition; lack of physical activity.

Adopting healthy lifestyle measures, including exercising regularly, following a healthy eating pattern, reducing stress, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help prevent a heart attack from taking place. These measures will help keep the risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood sugar) in check. However with SCA, you may not be able to keep it from happening as it can result from various different causes, but of course, the survival of a person doubles or triples with proper (timely) administration of CPR.

It is important for those with heart issues to consult with their health care providers who may recommend an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) that can help detect and correct any abnormal heart rhythm that’s life-threatening. ICDs can contribute towards preventing a cardiac arrest.

Everyone should learn how to give CPR and use an AED device, so that bystanders can quickly take action if they come across an SCA victim. It is equally important to be aware of the symptoms of a weak heart so that you are well-prepared to deal with any untoward emergency. It must also be noted that heart attack symptoms varies in men and women, hence beware.

In case you are with an MI victim, seat the person down and see if the pain subsides, if it doesn’t call 911 right away. Perform CPR if the individual is unconscious.

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