Is CPR Helpful During a Heart Attack? How it Should be Done

Top heart surgeon in Delhi

Best Cardiac Surgeon in India

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving procedure performed in an emergency when the heart stops beating, which is known as cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR can increase or triple a person’s chances of survival following a cardiac arrest. However, cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack.

Blood flow to the heart muscle has been restricted or considerably diminished during a heart attack. However, cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system of the heart stops transmitting impulses to the heart to beat.

Because a heart attack can sometimes lead to cardiac arrest, CPR is a potentially life-saving procedure.

Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are becoming increasingly common. It is affecting not only older people but even the younger generation. In such cases, CPR is an effective approach to use. This blog is being created to help readers understand why CPR might be beneficial and to explain the proper CPR steps.

The insights offered by Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India, have made this guide more valuable. Let’s begin by determining whether a heart attack is an emergency.

Best Cardiac Surgeon in India

Is Heart Attack an Emergency?

A heart attack should always be treated as an emergency. The longer the heart muscle is deprived of adequate blood flow, the more long-term damage is probable. Surviving a heart attack is generally achievable with quick medical intervention by the best cardiac surgeon in India.

Note by the Best cardiac surgeon in India: CPR should not be given if the person is conscious and the heart is still beating normally. If you or someone close to you has lost consciousness and is in cardiac arrest, call the emergency helpline immediately.

While the help arrives at your location, the emergency dispatcher should advise you through the protocols to follow. If you see someone who appears to be having a heart attack, volunteer to phone the emergency help. Keep an eye on them until aid arrives or their symptoms improve.

CPR Procedure- Best Cardiac Surgeon in India

CPR on a person whose heart attack has advanced to cardiac arrest should ideally be performed by someone who has received training. However, if no one with proper CPR training is available, following these basic steps could mean the difference between life and death. After contacting the emergency helpline, place the person on their back on a level but hard surface.

  • Place one hand on top of the other, with the heel of the lower hand on the sternum (breastbone) of the individual.
  • Put your body directly on top of your hands.
  • About two inches down on the chest, press.
  • Press quickly, about twice per second.

Repeat until the help arrives or an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is brought to the spot. An AED can provide life-saving shocks to a person in cardiac arrest, thereby “jump-starting” their heart.

Because CPR can be exhausting, it may be beneficial to cycle with another person if the help does not come promptly.

Here are the Signs of Heart Concerns One Should Not Ignore

  1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest discomfort is the most common sign of heart disease, and it can occasionally indicate a heart attack or a blocked artery. One may feel pain or tightness in the chest. This feeling sometimes lasts for a longer time. If the pain is brief, one should get it assessed by a heart specialist. 

  1. Shortness of Breath

While climbing stairs, a sudden feeling of having trouble breathing might be a sign of a number of various health issues. Also, it can be a sign of a heart attack. Other conditions that are manifested by shortness of breath are heart attacks, heart failure, or low blood pressure. It may indicate heart failure if someone has problems breathing, especially when lying down.

  1. Pain that Spreads to the Arms

This is another important symptom of a heart attack. A person might feel pain that radiates down to the left part of the body. The pain can start in the chest and move outward. The pain can also be felt only in the left arm.

  1. Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded

There are several factors that can make a person lose their balance or even faint. This could possibly be due to weakness, but if a person suddenly feels unsteady along with chest discomfort or shortness of breath, then it could be a sign of a heart attack. For such an instance, one needs to seek medical attention right away.

  1. Sweating

Sweating is a normal body process, and an individual usually sweats after exercise or due to heat. But a cold sweat for no apparent reason could indicate a heart attack.

  1. Radiating Pain

This particular kind of discomfort spreads to the left side of the body. It might be a symptom of a heart attack that starts in the chest and moves outward. However, in rare instances, pain in the arms can signal a heart attack.

Conclusion

There is no need for CPR as long as the individual experiencing a heart attack is conscious and breathing. However, if that person’s heart stops beating, CPR could save their life. Just remember to contact the emergency helpline before taking any action and, if feasible, check the area or have someone nearby look for an AED.

In addition, if one is looking for expert help for any heart-related diseases, one can contact Dr. Sujay Shad. He is a renowned heart doctor in Delhi, practicing at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He has expertise spanning three decades, and with his skilled knowledge, he has helped his patients live a healthy and happy life.

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