The classic symptoms of cardiac arrest are severe chest pain that leads to loss of consciousness and fainting, which makes the person inanimate.
However, before that, other symptoms may appear that warn of a possible heart attack, such as:
- Pain in the abdomen or back that does not pass; Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing; Difficulty speaking clearly; Tingling in the left arm; Paleness and excessive tiredness; Nausea and dizziness frequently; Cold sweating.
When several of these signs appear, there is an increased risk of cardiac arrest, so it is important to go to the emergency room immediately or call an ambulance.
If the heart stops beating, first aid should be started to increase the chances of survival.
First aid for cardiac arrest
First aid in case of cardiac arrest are:
- Call an ambulance Perform the following cardiac massage:
- With the victim lying on the floor on his stomach and with his head tilted a little back, the region of the center of the chest should be pressed between the nipples, with their hands overlapping and their arms well stretched; Press the heart hard and quickly, 30 times in a row, and then blow the air out of your mouth into the victim's mouth.
Cardiac massage should be continued until the victim regains consciousness or the ambulance arrives.
Watch a video on how to do it correctly:
Sequelae of cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest does not always leave sequelae, as they are more frequent in victims who spent a long time in the absence of a heartbeat, as it is the heartbeats that carry oxygen through the blood to all organs, including the brain. Therefore, if an individual stays too long in the absence of a heartbeat, their organs will begin to fail, one by one, until death.
But if the cardiac arrest victim is seen quickly, there is less chance of a sequel, but it will depend on your body and how long your brain has been without oxygen. Some victims of cardiac arrest may have sequelae such as a neurological disorder, speech difficulties and memory disorders, but this is not a rule, although it is more common in the elderly.
See how to reduce your risk of cardiac arrest.
