Cardiovascular Emergencies

1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle.
Key symptoms include:

• Chest pressure, heaviness, or squeezing
• Pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, sweating, or feeling faint

Immediate treatment such as clot-dissolving medications or angioplasty helps restore blood flow and save heart muscle.

2. Cardiac Arrest

In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. The person becomes unresponsive, with no pulse or breathing.
Survival depends on:

• Starting CPR immediately
• Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where seconds matter.

3. Stroke

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die.
Common signs (FAST rule):

• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services immediately

Quick treatment can reduce brain damage and improve long-term recovery.

4. Dangerous Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms like ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation can cause dizziness, palpitations, fainting, or sudden collapse. Immediate medical intervention is needed to restore a normal rhythm.

5. Aortic Dissection

This serious condition occurs when a tear forms in the aorta, the body’s main artery.
Symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe chest or back pain
• Pain described as “tearing” or “ripping”

Aortic dissection requires emergency surgery or stenting.