Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

In the last post, we defined what we mean by cardiac arrest and learnt that there are only three cardiac arrest rhythms: shockable, PEA and asystole. We also briefly covered how each of these three arrest rhythms needs to be managed. A shockable rhythm (VF or pulseless VT) must be defibrillated without delay. The reversible causes associated with PEA (the 4Hs and the 4Ts) need to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Asystole usually means it’s game...

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests (Part 2)

Cardiac Arrest

In the last post, we defined cardiac arrest as the sudden, unexpected collapse of the heart’s mechanical pumping action that is potentially reversible. In this post, we’ll look at some of the causes of cardiac arrest, what types of cardiac arrest benefit from the use of a defibrillator, and the principles of resuscitation. In the next post, I’ll take you through the mechanics of how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR if you are...

Heart attacks and cardiac arrests (Part 1)

In the next two or three posts, I want to talk about some acute cardiac conditions that people have usually heard of but are often a bit unclear about, or even completely misunderstand. The list includes heart attacks, heart failure, shock, cardiomyopathy and cardiac arrest.

Heart attacks

There are more than 100,000 heart attacks in the UK each year. The good news is that more than 7 out of 10 victims live to tell the tale. Actually, it’s really great...