Would what to do if a liked one — or perhaps a stranger — went into cardiac arrest? Realizing what to do on this emergency state of affairs, and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), may save a life. CPR, which entails making chest compressions on the individual affected, helps enhance blood stream to the organs1 till extra superior therapy is offered.
Within the video above, CNN’s Dr. Tara Narula demonstrates methods to carry out hands-only CPR in the event you witness somebody go into cardiac arrest. If extra folks be taught this straightforward approach, it may have main implications for public well being as, at present, about 350,000 People die yearly from cardiac arrest. That’s greater than the variety of deaths from colorectal most cancers, breast most cancers, prostate most cancers, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms and home fires mixed.2
Cardiac arrest happens abruptly attributable to a malfunction within the coronary heart that causes it to cease beating. Some instances of cardiac arrest don’t have any signs. In different situations, the next signs could happen previous to the occasion:3
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Chest ache
Coronary heart palpitations (quick or pounding coronary heart beat)
Lack of consciousness
Whereas blood loss, lack of oxygen and excessive ranges of potassium and magnesium — which may trigger arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat — can result in cardiac arrest, there are three major causes:4
1. Arrhythmia — {An electrical} sign within the coronary heart could result in an irregular heartbeat referred to as ventricular fibrillation, which is the No. 1 explanation for cardiac arrest. It describes a heartbeat so fast that the center trembles as an alternative of pumping blood.
2. Cardiomyopathy (enlarged coronary heart) — This results in irregular coronary heart contractions.
3. Coronary artery illness — If coronary arteries turn into blocked by plaque, it restricts blood stream to the center. Left untreated, this will likely result in coronary heart failure or arrhythmia, which may set off cardiac arrest.
