Lec8

• Cardiovascular disease


  One of the leading causes of death of adults in Canada
• Some of these deaths could be prevented if appropriate first aid was given
• First aid for cardiovascular emergencies


  1. First aid for angina/heart attack

  2. First aid for stroke/TIA

  3. First aid for cardiac arrest, which is CPR

  
• Blood pressure


  The pressure of the blood against the inside walls of the blood vessels

  
• Blood pressure goes up and down naturally

  
• Hypertension


  Condition of constant high blood pressure

  
• Over time, hypertension damages the tissues of the cardiovascular system
• Hypertension does not always give warning signals—you may feel perfectly well but still have high blood pressure
• In individuals above the age of 50, systolic blood pressure may reach 140 and diastolic blood pressure reach 80, higher than that is considered abnormal

  
• For normal adult person (not elderly people), it doesn't have a significant effect on the heart, but treatment is advisable

  
• Atherosclerosis


  The process of depositing fat and narrowing of the arteries
• Atherosclerosis often begins in childhood
• Angina


  Occurs when the blood supply feeding the heart muscle becomes limited due to narrowed, damaged, or blocked arteries
• Nitroglycerin


  Relieve chest pain (angina) by getting more blood (oxygen) to the coronary artery in the heart and reduces the need for O2 by dilating the coronary artery
• Heart attack


  Happens when heart muscle tissue dies because its supply of blood has been cut off
• Risk Factors for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke


  • Modifiable: Smoking, Poor diet, Lack of exercise, Increased stress
  • Non-modifiable: Age, Genetic History, Sex
• Modifiable risks can be reduced through lifestyle changes
• Early recognition and denial


  It's difficult to accept that someone is having a heart attack and could die very soon, especially if the person is a family member or a close friend
• Chain of Survival®


  1. Immediate recognition of a cardiovascular emergency and activation of the community emergency medical services (EMS) system

  2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions

  3. Rapid defibrillation

  4. Effective advanced life support

  5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

  
• Time is a vital ingredient. To give a casualty in cardiac arrest a reasonable chance of survival, CPR must be started immediately followed by defibrillation as quickly as possible
• First aider's role


  • Recognize the cardiovascular emergency, call for medical help, start CPR if needed, and apply a defibrillator if one is available

  
• Signs and symptoms of angina and a heart attack


  • Pale, ashen skin
  • Sweating, cold and clammy to the touch
  • Shortness of breath
  • Showing obvious pain or discomfort
  • Heaviness in chest
  • Tightness or pressure in chest
  • Squeezing or crushing chest
  • Indigestion, nausea or vomiting
  • Aching jaw
  • Sore shoulder or arms
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety, which produces denial
  • Central back pain
• First aid for angina/heart attack


  1. Perform a scene survey, then do a primary survey

  2. Call for medical help and get a defibrillator

  3. Place the casualty at rest, the semi-sitting position is usually the best option, and reassure them

  4. Assist the conscious casualty to take their prescribed medication, usually nitroglycerin

  5. If the casualty loses consciousness and stops breathing, start CPR

  
• Helping with Nitroglycerin


  • Ask the casualty if they have taken any other medications today
  • Have the casualty spray the medication under the tongue or place the tablets under the tongue—they aren't to be swallowed
  • Nitroglycerin may be repeated, if needed, every 5-10 minutes to relieve pain, or until a maximum of three doses have been taken