About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac Arrest: A Critical Emergency
Introduction
Cardiac arrest is a sudden and severe medical emergency where the heart stops pumping blood. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, cardiac arrest occurs due to an electrical malfunction in the heart. This leads to an immediate loss of consciousness and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Causes of Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest can be triggered by several conditions, including:
- Coronary artery disease – The most common cause due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats that disrupt the heart's normal rhythm.
- Heart attack (Myocardial infarction) – A severe heart attack increases the risk.
- Cardiomyopathy – Weakening of the heart muscle.
- Congenital heart disease – Present from birth and may affect electrical function.
- Severe electrolyte imbalances – Potassium and magnesium imbalances can lead to dangerous arrhythmias.
- Drug overdose or poisoning – Certain medications and substances can stop the heart.
Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest
- Sudden collapse
- No pulse
- No breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Occasionally, gasping or seizure-like twitching
Immediate Actions: What to Do in Cardiac Arrest?
- Call emergency services (911 or local emergency number)
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Start CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
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- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- If trained, give rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.
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Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available
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- Follow the voice instructions of the device to deliver an electric shock and restore heart rhythm.
- Continue CPR and use the AED until medical professionals arrive.
Prevention of Cardiac Arrest
- Manage risk factors : Control hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
- Healthy lifestyle : Follow a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake .
- Regular heart check-ups : Especially for those with a family history of heart disease.
- Know CPR and AED use : Being prepared can save lives.
Summary
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Early recognition, CPR, and defibrillation are crucial in increasing survival rates. Learning CPR and knowing how to use an AED can be life-saving skills in an emergency.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2020-aha-guidelines-for-cpr-and-ecc
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001194
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33081530/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000918
2. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines for Resuscitation
- https://cprguidelines.eu/guidelines-2021
- https://www.erc.edu/
- https://cprguidelines.eu/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000551
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33773825/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.