There are many causes behind the occurrence of chest pain, but angina is the most common one with myocardial infarction (heart attack) being the most serious one. It is the coronary arteries which carry the required oxygen and remove the waste products but they may become narrowed with fatty deposits in the blood vessel walls or hardened. The combination is called atherosclerosis which causes numerous heart problems. The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by going for CPR Overland Park Kansas classes. You should always select an accredited training center for acquiring training in the techniques such as the AHA accredited CPR Kansas City where you can expect to receive training in the hands of certified instructors. Only acquiring proper training in the hands of certified instructors can enable you in performing the techniques effectively in a real life situation. At the end of the training classes, a student will be eligible for a certification after successfully passing a skills test and a written exam.
Two Causes Of Chest Pain
Angina (Pectoris)- This is the most common cause and the chest pain of angina is caused by temporary loss of oxygen to the heart muscle which is mainly due to reduced blood flow. Reduced blood flow also causes a buildup of carbon dioxide and lactic acid. This in combination with the reduced oxygen results in chest pain, which is like “cramp” in the heart muscle.
Angina episodes are often and mostly caused by exercise which may simply mean running for the bus. As the person rests, the chest pain goes away.
Angina Pectoris may be stable or unstable.
· Stable Angina- It is the commonest form which follows a predictable pattern. The condition worsens with emotion, exercise and other triggers and is usually relieved in 2-5 minutes after rest.
· Unstable Angina- It is the most serious form and may be caused by increasing blockage in the blood vessels to the heart. The intensity of pain may change or may “come and go”. Unstable Angina may be a warning of an MI or heart attack in near future.
Myocardial Infarction or Heart Attack- This process involves damage or death of heart muscle due to a complete stoppage in blood flow which can be due to blood clot, embolism, spasm, tumor, etc. Regardless of the course, the area of muscle not getting blood flow will start to die followed by heart failure and death on the part of the individual. The heart failure or death occurs which depends on the area affected and the amount of the heart that has been affected. Acute MI is a common cause of death. Effective CPR, the process of defibrillation and ACLS are needed in order to reduce the chances of this happening.
The best way to manage either of these conditions is by recognizing the signs and symptoms.
A few symptoms common to both include:
Common to both:
· Pain in the chest, often spreading
· Often the person says their chest feels 'heavy' or 'crushed'
· Pale skin, can be sweaty
· Pain in the throat/jaw/teeth
· May have increased pulse rate, irregular pulse
· May be short of breath.
Extra symptoms for MI:
· Probably nausea or vomiting
· Dizziness or confusion
Treatment For Angina- First and foremost, get the victim to rest, help with any medication, there should be free flow of air (you can open the windows and loosen any tight clothing), then wait.
Treatment For Heart Attack- Apart from all of the treatment process for dealing with Angina,
during a heart attack situation involving someone, call for an ambulance. If the victim is not allergic to aspirin, give one to the victim for them to chew. Provide the victim with oxygen if you are well-trained. Record the pulse and respiratory rate while waiting for an ambulance.
Going for a CPR Overland Park Kansas class at CPR Kansas City will equip you in facing cardiac emergency scenarios effectively in a real-life situation. To enroll for a program at CPR Kansas City, either register online or call on 913-998-7499 for registration.
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