4. Heart Attack- Occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is suddenly obstructed e.g. coronary thrombosis
- The main risk is that the heart will stop.
- The effect of the heart attack depends on how much of the muscle is affected.
- Drugs that aid recovery include thrombolytic (dissolve the clot) and asprin (thins the blood).
Signs and symptoms
- Persistent central chest pain spreading to the jaw and down to the left arm. Unlike angina pectoris the pain does not ease once the casualty is at rest and may occur at rest.
- Breathlessness and discomfort high in the abdomen.
- Sudden faintness or giddiness
- A sense of impending doom
- ‘’Ashen” skin and blueness at the lips
- Rapid weak irregular pulse
Aims of treatment
- To minimize the work of the heart
- To summon urgent medical help and arrange removal to hospital
Treatment
- Put the patient on a half sitting position, with the casualty’s head and shoulders well supported and his knees bent
- Call for help and state that you suspect a heart attack
- Constantly monitor and record the casualty’s breathing and pulse rate and be prepared to resuscitate if necessary
- If the casualty has medicine for angina (“puffer "aerosol) help him take it. If the pain persists and the casualty is fully conscious give him one tablet of ordinary aspirin to chew
5. Acute Heart Failure
- The heart muscle is strained and fatigued e.g. following coronary thrombosis and becomes increasingly inefficient.
- Acute attacks may occur at night
Signs and symptoms
Treatment- Follow the treatment for heart attack
6. Cardiac Arrest
- Sudden stoppage of the heart. Its characterized by the absence of pulse and breathing. You must commence resuscitation immediately.
Causes
Signs and symptoms
Aims of treatment
- To arrange urgent removal to hospital.
- To keep the heart muscle and brain supplied with oxygen until help arrives.
Treatment
