We are only a few weeks into the new year and it seems like so much has happened already. Before we get into the meat of this blog, let me share my wish that you are happy, well and taking extremely good care of yourself by eating right, exercising and having your health checked regularly.
MEAT
Let’s dive right into the meat of today’s blog. We are aware that Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamil collapsed on the field recently suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Just last week the world was shocked by the loss of Lisa Marie Presley to cardiac arrest as well. What’s going on?
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
I overheard a conversation recently where a woman said she didn’t understand the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. How many others don’t understand the difference?
HEART ATTACK
According to American Heart Association, people often use the two terms interchangeably but they are not the same. A heart attack is when blood flowing to the heart is blocked. When this occurs, it prevents oxygen rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly that part of the heart normally nourished by the artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment the greater the damage.
CARDIAC ARREST
Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. It happens when an electrical malfunction in the heart causes an irregular heartbeat also known as arrhythmia. With its pumping action disrupted, the heart can’t pump blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. When this occurs, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim doesn’t receive treatment.
LINK
These two heart conditions are linked. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack or during recovery. Heart attacks increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Many heart attacks don’t immediately lead to sudden cardiac arrest, but when cardiac arrest occurs heart attack is a common cause.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Call 911! Every second counts. Starting today, review your CPR so you can perform it when necessary. Begin CPR until EMS arrives. They are trained to provide resuscitation efforts if your heart has stopped. People with chest pain who arrive by ambulance could receive treatment faster at the hospital.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART
I am not a medical professional. I am collecting important information in the aftermath of some pretty substantial public episodes and reporting it to you. That being said, John and I have a friend/colleague who is an expert in the field of cardiology. Dr. Harvey White is the founder of the Heart Hospital of New Mexico and now Vessel Health, which is dedicated to improving cardiovascular health and treatment but most importantly, focusing on prevention and a proactive approach to personal wellness.
HDD
We at HDD work closely with Dr. White using diagnostic ultrasound as a tool to diagnose heart conditions as well as cardiovascular health in general. If you have questions or concerns, make the call, run the tests and take preventive action. Take care of your heart!