CARDIOVASCULAR EMERGENCIES

HEART ATTACK

• Blood supply to part of the heart muscle is reduced or stopped.

• Recognizing a heart attack
– Chest pressure, squeezing, or pain that lasts longer than a few minutes or goes away and
comes back
– Pain spreading to shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms
– Dizziness, sweating, nausea
– 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.
• Recognizing 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

STROKE (BRAIN ATTACK)

• Blood flow to brain disrupted

• Blocked or ruptured blood vessel

• Recognizing stroke
– Weakness, numbness, partial paralysis
– Blurred or decreased vision
– Problems speaking
– Dizziness or loss of balance
– Sudden, severe headache
CARE FOR STROKE
• Seek medical care.
• If responsive, lay patient on back with head and shoulders slightly elevated.
• If vomiting, place in recovery position.