Tim Russert’s unexpected passing from a heart attack served as a solemn reminder that heart disease is an important topic for everyone to know about. Sudden cardiac death accounts for 310,000 deaths a year in the United States. It occurs after a heart attack ( caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies the heart) or an enlarged heart (caused by infections or congenital diseases) results in a life-threatening, abnormal heart rhythm. When this happens, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood out to the body and maintain life. Defibrillators are used to convert the abnormal rhythm to a regular one. A quick response is essential for survival. As a result, defibrillators are now found in many locations such as schools, office buildings, and airplanes.
Certain risk factors contribute to heart disease. These include high cholesterol, high blood pressure (above 140/90), diabetes, being overweight (BMI greater than 25), smoking and not exercising. Other risk factors which we are unable to control include having a family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac death, male gender, increased age or being a postmenopausal female. Although risk factors exist, the condition can still not be fully prevented. Inform your physician about any feelings of discomfort which you may have in your chest, jaw or abdomen that is made worse with exertion and is relieved with rest.
Blog: courtesy of Dr. Roger Kapoor.
Refernces: please see links.
4 comments:
Dear Dr. Razavi's, can you give me more suggestion about if we suddenly have heart attack, what we should do just as emergency action before the doctor come?
Darin
baby care
darin, it is best to call 911 first. If there is aspirin in the house, 2 should be chewed immediately. The link to Heart Attack questions (in worth reading section) reviews this is detail if you would like to find out more.
DR Razavi,
Have you heard of Vicor Technologies, Inc. and their PD2i Cardiac Analyzer?
According to an article I saw in Health Journal, June 24th, victims of sudden cardiac arrest have a chance of survival greater than 50% if a defibrillator is available. Survival rates are as high as 74% when trained personnel can monitor the victim.
Yes, survival rates are significantly higher when the defibrillator is used immediately and appropriately.
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