Cardiac Arrest

What are the financial impacts for cardiac arrest?

the patient will be unable to work for a period of time and this will affect income.

What are four major symptoms of cardiac arrest?

- Sudden collapse - No pulse - No breathing - Loss of consciousness

What are four symptoms which precede cardiac arrest?

- fatigue - fainting - blackouts - dizziness

What are the social impacts for cardiac arrest?

due to symptoms interactions may be reduced, which will have an impact on relationships.

What are the medical interventions with drugs and/or surgery for cardiac arrest?

CPR: critical to treating sudden cardiac arrest by maintaining a flow of oxygen-rich blood to the body's vital organs. DEFIBRILLATION: electric shock through the chest wall to the heart, the defibrillation momentarily stops the heart and its rhythm allowing normal heart rhythm to resume. DRUGS: anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used for emergency or long-term treatment of (possible) arrhythmia complications.

What is meant by cardiac arrest and how is it caused?

Cardiac arrest is caused when the heart's electrical system malfunctions. Sudden cardiac arrest is the unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. This is caused by abnormal or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

What are the emotional impacts for cardiac arrest?

Surviving a near-death experience can be traumatic and their self worth may be affected. They may also be anxious in case it occurs again.

What is ventricular fibrillation?

This is the common arrhythmia in cardiac arrest, this is when the heart's lower chambers suddenly start beating chaotically and don't pump blood. Death can occur within minutes after the heart stops.

What are the lifestyle changes (dietary management, physical activity and exercise) for cardiac arrest?

avoid foods which contain a high level of salt and saturated fats as this can raise blood pressure. exercise at least 30 mins a day smoking cessation moderating alcohol intake (2-3 units p/d max)

What counselling can be provided for cardiac arrest?

counselling can be provided to help deal with emotions etc. as cardiac arrest can be a highly traumatic experience.

What are the physical impacts cardiac arrest?

it can take a long time to recover from cardiac arrest- mobility and function will therefore be impaired. Surgery and medication can also do this.

What are the intellectual impacts for cardiac arrest?

the patient may suffer cognitive impairments which mean they will not be able to learn or recall things as well as before.