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.