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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: Diagnosis and Tests
Introduction
Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating. This results in a complete loss of blood circulation in the body. Quick diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial for survival.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Cardiac arrest usually occurs suddenly but may be preceded by: - Sudden loss of consciousness - No pulse or breathing - Chest pain or discomfort - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting
Diagnostic Tests for Cardiac Arrest
1. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Detects abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may have caused the cardiac arrest.
2. Blood Tests
- Troponin Test: Determines damage to heart muscle.
- Electrolyte Levels: Checks for imbalances (e.g., potassium, calcium, and magnesium) that may trigger arrhythmias.
- Acid-Base Balance & Oxygen Levels: Determines if metabolic abnormalities contributed to cardiac arrest.
3. Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)
- Evaluates heart structure and function to assess potential causes like heart failure or valve disease.
4. Coronary Angiography
- Performed if a heart attack (myocardial infarction) is suspected as the cause.
- Identifies blockages in coronary arteries.
5. CT or MRI Brain Scan
- Used in post-resuscitation care to evaluate potential brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Importance of Immediate Action
If you suspect someone is in cardiac arrest: 1. Call emergency medical services immediately. 2. Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). 3. Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. 4. Continue CPR until medical help arrives or the person regains consciousness.
Conclusion
Understanding diagnostic tests for cardiac arrest helps improve emergency response and survival chances. Preventive measures like healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings significantly reduce risk.
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.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957221000551
- https://cprguidelines.eu/
- https://www.erc.edu/
- 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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.