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Would you already know what to do if a liked one — or perhaps a stranger — went into cardiac arrest? Knowing what to do on this emergency state of affairs, and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), might save a life. CPR, which entails making chest compressions on the particular person affected, helps enhance blood stream to the organs1 till extra superior therapy is offered.
In the video above, CNN’s Dr. Tara Narula demonstrates tips on how to carry out hands-only CPR for those who witness somebody go into cardiac arrest. If extra individuals be taught this easy method, it might have main implications for public well being as, presently, about 350,000 Americans 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 immediately as a result of a malfunction within the coronary heart that causes it to cease beating. Some circumstances of cardiac arrest don’t have any signs. In different cases, the next signs could happen previous to the occasion:3
Fatigue
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Chest ache
Heart palpitations (quick or pounding coronary heart beat)
Loss of consciousness
While 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 main causes:4
1. Arrhythmia — An electrical sign within the coronary heart could result in an irregular heartbeat often called ventricular fibrillation, which is the No. 1 reason for cardiac arrest. It describes a heartbeat so speedy 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 grow to be blocked by plaque, it restricts blood stream to the center. Left untreated, this will result in coronary heart failure or arrhythmia, which may set off cardiac arrest.