Monday 5 September 2016

Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Consult With The Cardiologists In Orange County

People often ignore the serious symptoms and warning signs before they collapse. In fact the Cardiologists in Orange County never get tired of saying, there are a number of classic symptoms associated chest pains owing to poor blood flow to the heart.

Time to talk about something important and pertinent! Yes; we are talking about sudden cardiac arrest.

Medically it has been defined as the abrupt loss and sudden arrest in the functioning of the heart. Of course; it is a life threatening event and if left untreated it may lead to sudden cardiac death ( SCD).

People who suffer from SCD, in most of the cases have coronary artery disease however there are also a few common as well as not so common conditions that may also lead to sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) – A closer view

Let’s understand the mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest first.  Malignant ventricular arrhythmia which is triggered by the lack of blood flow to the heart (also known as cardiac ischemia) or triggered by damaged heart muscle is the leading cause for sudden cardiac arrest in people.

Yes; SCD affects people of all ethnicities, ages and health status. Some people may experience symptoms a few weeks before to this fatal event however in most of the cases due to lack of knowledge they may not even know it.

Statistical report and a recent study reveal the fact that people often ignore the serious symptoms and warning signs before they collapse. In fact we the Cardiologists in Orange County    never get tired of saying, there are a number of classic symptoms associated chest pains owing to poor blood flow to the heart.

Here Are the 5 Classic Symptoms of Heart Attack

•    Chest pain and often acute chest pain, intense chest pressure with or without extension to jaw and left arm
•    Shortness of breath even when at rest or even with the least amount of exertion
•    Excessive amount of sweating (Medical term – Diaphoresis)
•    Unexplained tiredness and nausea
•    The feeling as if you are going to die

It is very important to recognize and address the warning signs and symptoms. All the symptoms mentioned above could signal a heart attack. You should seek immediate medical attention if in case you experience any of these symptoms. Remember; your life may actually depend on you’re the decision you take.

It is also pertinent to mention, heart attack is not always the only reason for sudden cardiac arrest.

In fact; in a recent study the researchers have evaluated the common symptoms from patients during the weeks prior their catastrophic sudden cardiac arrest. Curiously the researchers also identified the early warning symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitation, feeling of losing consciousness etc.

Although these warning signs are similar to the heart attack symptoms however investigators clearly pointed out certain unique differences.

These signs are worrying in people suffering from diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

Moreover; these symptoms are also especially worrisome in people who have established heart disease.

The warning signs can also be different between men and women. A recent study has clearly pointed out; men tend to have more chest pain while women tend to have lightheadedness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Although the exact reason for the difference in the signs and symptoms between men and women is still unknown but this is also one significant factor why heart attacks are often missed in women in comparison to their male counterpart.

What should you do in sudden cardiac arrest?

The symptoms and signs of heart attack should not be ignored. Medically speaking; the signs and symptoms of heart attack appear only when the blood flow in the heart is compromised. Needless to say; the signs and symptoms are therefore the strong indicators that the heart is at risk.

Severe, acute and crushing chest pain in left or center of your chest or acute shortness of breath is the sure sign to head to the emergency room. Losing consciousness unexpectedly is also quite concerning.

In these cases, dialing 9-1-1 or contacting emergency medical services (EMS) is recommended.

Keep in mind; calling EMS has a survival advantage in comparison to not calling EMS. Also; do not ignore the warning signs and do not drive yourself to the hospital.

The bottom-line – Depending on the size and severity of the heart attacks, the signs and catastrophic warning symptoms of heart attack usually vary. No matter how insignificant it may seem still the warning signs should not be ignored. The fact is undeniable – quicker the treatment is provided, better the chances of long term damage.