Cardiac arrest

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Cardiology

23. What causes cardiac arrest?

Ans:

When the heart abruptly stops beating, a critical medical condition known as cardiac arrest results. If not treated right once, it can be fatal since it can cause the blood flow to the body's organs, including the brain, to stop.

Cardiac arrest can result from a number of factors, such as:

1.     Coronary artery disease: Heart arrest is most frequently caused by coronary artery disease. It takes place when the blood arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart narrow or are clogged, which causes a heart attack.

2.     Arrhythmias: Improper heartbeats, such as ventricular fibrillation (rapid and erratic electrical activity in the heart), can impair the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, leading to cardiac arrest.

3.     Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a condition that weakens or enlarges the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy increases the risk of cardiac arrest and can cause irregular heart rhythms.

4.     Heart valve issues: Aortic stenosis and mitral valve prolapse are two conditions that can impair the heart's normal function and perhaps cause cardiac arrest.

5.     Electrolyte imbalances: Unbalanced levels of certain electrolytes, such as potassium or magnesium, can disrupt the electrical activity of the heart and result in cardiac arrest.

6.     Drug overdose: Some prescription pharmaceuticals, illicit substances, or even specific drug combinations, can have detrimental effects on the heart, possibly resulting in cardiac arrest.

It's crucial to remember that cardiac arrest can happen suddenly and without warning, even in people who have never had heart problems. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and urgent medical attention are essential for a person's life after a cardiac arrest.

You might find it useful to speak with a medical expert who can provide you more detailed information about your wife's case and assist you in comprehending the underlying factors that led to her cardiac arrest.

24. What is a structural heart defect? What is a functional heart defect?

Ans:

An anomaly in the heart's structure that occurs prior to birth is referred to as a structural heart defect. It happens as a result of the heart's abnormal development or construction during the foetal period. These flaws can affect the heart's blood arteries, valves, or walls. Heart structural flaws can range in severity and impair the heart's ability to pump blood normally.

The following are some instances of structural cardiac defects:

1.     Atrial septal defect (ASD): A hole in the septum, which divides the top chambers of the heart (the atria), is known as an atrial septal defect (ASD).

2.     Ventricular septal defect (VSD): A hole in the wall separating the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart is known as a ventricular septal defect (VSD).

3.     Tetralogy of Fallot: A ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy are all components of the tetralogy of Fallot.

4.     Coarctation of the aorta: Narrowing of the aorta, the principal artery that supplies the body with oxygenated blood.

A functional heart defect, on the other hand, is a heart abnormality that is predominantly brought about by a dysfunction in the function or performance of the heart rather than structural problems with the heart. These flaws are frequently connected to electrical issues or problems with the way the heart muscle contracts.

These are some instances of functional cardiac defects:

1.     Arrhythmias: Unusual cardiac rhythms such bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, or atrial fibrillation.

2.     Heart block: An irregular heartbeat is caused by a heart block, a condition in which the electrical signals in the heart are inhibited or delayed.

3.     Cardiomyopathy: A condition that inhibits the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

4.     Heart failure: The inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the demands of the body.

It's crucial to remember that while functional heart problems can appear at any age and can be acquired owing to a variety of factors including genetics, infections, drugs, or other underlying health conditions, whereas structural heart defects are typically present from birth.

25. How does chest pain differ between a heart attack and a pulled muscle?

Ans:

It's vital to keep in mind that I'm an AI language model and not a medical expert because chest pain might have many different reasons. I can, however, offer some general details on how chest pain may vary between a heart attack and a pulled muscle. If you have chest pain, you should see a doctor right away so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

1.     Chest pain:

§  Characteristic Pain: The centre of the chest frequently experiences a squeezing, pressure-like pain during a heart attack. It could feel tight or like a heavy weight.

§  Pain radiating: In certain situations, the pain may spread to the right arm as well as the left shoulder, jaw, and arm. Additionally, the neck or upper abdomen may be affected.

§  Duration: Pain from a heart attack often lasts longer than a few minutes and may be constant or fluctuate.

§  Additional Symptoms: Shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting, light-headedness, and a sense of impending doom are some of the signs of a heart attack.

2.     Pulled Muscle:

§  Characteristic Pain: The pain associated with a strained muscle or musculoskeletal chest pain is typically localised and is often reported as being stabbing, sharp, or aching. Usually, the affected muscle or rib can be felt there.

§  Triggers and Movement: Movement or specific positions, such as twisting or deep breathing, frequently make the discomfort worse.

§  Palpation Sensitivity: Applying pressure to the injured area may cause soreness or increased pain.

§  Additional Symptoms: Chest pain from a pulled muscle is frequently not accompanied by other cardiac-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath or dizziness.

It's crucial to keep in mind that these descriptions are generic and that people may perceive things differently. Other factors, such as digestive problems, anxiety or panic attacks, lung disorders, and others, can also contribute to chest pain. For a precise diagnosis and the best course of treatment if you have chest pain, you must see a medical specialist.