Cardiovascular Emergencies
Heart Attack • Blood supply to part of the heart muscle is
reduced or stopped.
Heart Attack
Recognizing a heart attack1. Chest pressure, squeezing, or pain that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and comes back 2. Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms3. Dizziness, sweating, nausea4. Shortness of breath
Care for a Heart Attack• Call 9-1-1.• Help victim into comfortable position.• Assist with prescribed medications.
– Nitroglycerin
• Provide aspirin.– Regular or chewable
Angina
• Heart muscle does not get enough blood.
• Brought on by physical activity.
AnginaRecognizing angina
Signs are similar to heart attack.Usually does not last longer than 10 minutes.Almost always relieved by nitroglycerin.
Care for Angina
• Have the victim rest.
• If the victim has nitroglycerin, help the victim use it.
• If pain lasts longer than 10 minutes, suspect a heart attack and call 9-1-1.
Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease
• Cannot be changed– Heredity– Gender– Age
• Can be changed– Smoking– High blood
pressure– High cholesterol– Diabetes– Obesity– Inactivity– Stress
Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease
Stroke (Brain Attack) (1 of 2)
• Blood flow to brain disrupted
• Blocked or ruptured blood vessel
Stroke (Brain Attack) (2 of 2)
• Recognizing stroke
Care for Stroke• Seek medical care.
• If responsive, lay patient on back with head and shoulders slightly elevated.
• If vomiting, place in recovery position.