Understanding Cardiac Emergencies: Symptoms and Types
Our heart is a valuable organ, but do we really take proper care of it? As a result, cardiac emergencies have become common. Many dangerous conditions that might suddenly put a person’s life at risk are classified as cardiac crises. Heart attacks and sudden cardiac arrest are among the most severe and critical situations that call for prompt attention and action.
This article will delve into the different types of cardiac emergencies, their differences, early signs and symptoms, and briefly discuss the various cardiac arrest treatments.
Types of Cardiac Emergencies
Heart emergencies are a common health concern that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Thus, it’s critical to raise awareness around them. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of cardiac emergencies and how to react appropriately can help us be better equipped to act quickly should things get critical. Here are the most common types of cardiac emergencies:
- Cardiac Arrest: It is characterised by an irregular heart rhythm arrhythmia or other underlying heart disorders that can cause a sudden lack of heart function, which is known as cardiac arrest, a potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical care.
- Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF): This is the rapid onset of fluid volume overload. It is characterised by a sudden worsening of the symptoms of heart failure, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack
A lot of times, people get confused between the terms cardiac arrest and heart attack, presuming both to be the same. An adult cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical issue in the heart disrupts its normal rhythm, causing the heartbeat to stop. If someone doesn’t take quick action, it is frequently fatal. In contrast, a clogged cardiac artery is the root cause of a heart attack, medically referred to as myocardial infarction. The heart muscle is affected by reduced blood supply, yet the heart often continues to beat.
Common Causes of Heart Emergencies
- Stress and Hypertension
- Food with high cholesterol and fat content – imbalanced meals
- Sedentary and inactive lifestyle
- Type I and Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity - Family history of heart attack or heart diseases
- Low magnesium or potassium
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Irregular sleeping patterns
Signs of Cardiopulmonary Arrest
- Collapse suddenly and lose consciousness.
- If they are not breathing, their breathing is ineffective, or they are gasping for air.
- Unresponsive to shouting or shaking.
- Absence of a pulse.
Early Warning Signs of A Cardiac Arrest
The majority of cardiac arrest victims experience one or more symptoms an hour before the incident. Some symptoms might even start to show a week before the cardiac arrest. However, a large number of cardiac arrest victims have no existing symptoms. Here are some possible symptoms:
- Shortness or irregularity in breathing
- Extreme tiredness (unusual fatigue)
- Blurry vision
- Back pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Belly pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Chest pain
- Repeated dizziness or fainting, especially while exercising hard, sitting, or lying on your back
- Heart palpitations, or feeling as if your heart is racing, fluttering, or skipping a beat
Do Not Miss the Signs: The chance of surviving an acute cardiopulmonary arrest is five times higher in those who seek medical attention for warning signs. See your healthcare practitioner if you have any warning signs. After all, the earlier you can detect an issue, the more time you have to treat and recover.
How to Care for Someone in a Cardiac Emergency?
A cardiac arrest at home or anywhere else can be fatal. If you suspect someone is experiencing a cardiac emergency, act quickly and seek medical attention. Here are some things you can do to help someone in a cardiac emergency:
Call Emergency Services: Immediately dial the emergency number in your country to notify the emergency medical services (EMS). Provide precise details about the situation, including the person’s condition and location. Check if the person is responsive and notice if there is a pulse.
Start CPR: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a cardiac arrest emergency treatment which is a vital intervention that helps maintain blood flow to critical organs until professional medical help arrives. Begin by performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and combine them with rescue breaths, giving two breaths after every 30 compressions.
Defibrillation: By administering controlled electric shocks, a defibrillator seeks to restore the heart’s natural rhythm, particularly in pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) can examine the person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary. Follow the instructions provided by the AED until medical professionals arrive. Survival is possible with fast, appropriate medical care.
Advanced Medical Care: Once the EMS personnel arrive, they will take over the resuscitation efforts. They can administer medications, provide advanced life support, and transport the individual to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
Cardiac emergencies, particularly sudden cardiac arrest, require immediate attention and action. Recognising the symptoms of cardiac arrest, calling emergency services, initiating CPR, and utilising an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can significantly improve the chances of survival until professional help arrives. Remember, time is very important during a cardiac arrest, and each second is valuable.
Diagnosis of Heart Emergencies:
Cardiac emergencies have exhibit various symptoms, including unconsciousness, no breathing, and no pulse. The diagnosis comprises:
- Physical examination
- Review of medical history
- Blood tests, cardiac monitoring under observation, imaging, genetic testing, cardiac catheterisation, and electrophysiology studies.
Prompt treatment is critical in cardiac crises. Prompt intervention protects the heart muscle, increases the chances of survival, prevents complications such as cardiac failure and arrhythmias, and expedites the healing process. It is recommended to visit a doctor as soon as you sign early signs of a heart emergency. Every second is important because postponements can worsen the situation and compromise results, highlighting the importance of receiving medical attention immediately.
Cardiac Emergencies blog has been medically reviewed by Dr Pramod Kumar, Cardiologist