Advanced Cardiac Life Support Protocols and Heart Attacks: What Really Happens?

Rarely does there exist a more stressful event than the sudden onset of chest pain (or pressure) with accompanying arm or neck pain, dizziness, nausea and/or shortness of breath. All of these symptoms suggest the terrifying possibility of a myocardial infarction - or "heart attack".

Fortunately, there are protocols in place to attend to those who face an unexpected chest pain and associated symptoms. These protocols are found in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training given to pre-hospital and hospital health care providers. Not all hospital workers receive this training but those that do (physicians and nurses) are prepared to assist and intervene with appropriate treatment for the possible "MI". The American Heart Association compiles studies every 5 years to update the advanced cardiac life support protocols and treatment guidelines. These guidelines are then adopted by all of the emergency responders in the United States.

Remember, "time is muscle" which means the first step is always to place that 9-1-1 call for assistance. So what can the patient expect after the call for help related to complaints of chest discomfort or pain? This is a great question and easily answered based on the ACLS protocols.

Paramedics respond and asses the patient's status. Upon determining the patient's presentation fits the potential for cardiac injury, he would be taken to the hospital. En route, baby aspirin (assuming no allergy to aspirin exists), oxygen and possibly sublingual nitroglycerin (a tiny pill placed under the tongue) would be given. An IV would be placed and an EKG possibly completed en route. After arriving in the Emergency Department, the hospital staff takes over and other medications could be given (including additional nitroglycerin and possibly blood thinners), along with another EKG, blood samples and a chest X-ray. The physician would make the determination as to the patient's condition and supportive staff prepared to do what comes next in the protocol.

Constant communication and efficient interventions are conducted rapidly to save the heart muscle from additional damage. Fortunately, paramedics and hospital personnel are experienced and have amassed the skills necessary to intervene and save a heart from serious injury, even death. What a wonderful resource ACLS is to those who must utilize the protocols to save another's life - and what a blessing to those who receive the benefits of ACLS training utilized on their behalf. A hearty "thank you" is never too much to give back to those who practice ACLS on behalf of their patients.

Zack Zarrilli is a Firefighter and the owner of SureFire CPR. His company is comprised of Firefighters, Paramedics, Lifeguards, and EMTs who teach hundreds of CPR, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, AED, and First Aid classes every year. SureFire CPR's instructors teach from their own real world experience and specialize in on-site CPR and First Aid training in all of Southern California.

Did you find the above article useful? If so, for more information or to take a class, please visit us at http://www.surefirecpr.com/ or call us at 888-277-3143. SureFire CPR currently offers CPR classes in Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County, San Francisco, Riverside County, and the Inland Empire.

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Can You Predict Heart Attacks Or Strokes?

If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health and your odds of suffering a heart attack or stroke, there is actually a test you can take that could point out potential risks.

It seems that a high percentage of those who have had a stroke or heart attack, also have elevated levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in their blood stream. This amino acid is produced naturally by the body. And, it is produced in the greatest quantities by those who happen to be big meat eaters. In rare instances, however, high levels of this amino acid can also be caused by homocystinuria - a genetic disorder.

Regardless of the cause, researchers have correlated the amount of this amino acid in the body with the narrowing of blood vessels and arteries. Additionally, the level of homocysteine in your blood stream can be measured by a simple test that your doctor can prescribe for you. In fact, some doctors will include it as part of your normal annual checkup.

It's actually best to have two tests done over a couple of months to rule out false readings. If, however, it turns out that the amount of homocysteine in your bloodstream is at an elevated level, look upon it as a sign that you should make changes to your dietary lifestyle. This will usually involve changing your diet to eating less meats and other high cholesterol foods.

When it comes to strokes, certain behavioral changes can be predictive of strokes. Silent strokes have been linked to depression. Many times, depression in an older person will presumed to be caused by physical illnesses such as a disability or the loss of a friend. However, because of research studies highlighting the link between mini strokes and depression, any senior who suddenly undergoes a personality shift to being depressed, should be tested for a silent stroke.

Depression could also be a leading indicator of problems in the blood vessels of the brain such as a blockage or clot. Of course, the reverse can be true as well. A mini stroke can easily damage part of the brain, specifically the basal ganglia, and trigger depressive symptoms in a person.

A stroke, whether silent (i.e. mini) or massive is basically a disruption of one or more blood vessels in the brain. The disruptions could be caused by either a blocked blood vessel or bleeding. In the case of a silent stroke, the problem will typically lie in the smaller brain blood vessels.

A silent stroke or mini stroke is often missed because the signs can be so subtle. Typically, the symptoms will last for only a few minutes. In many cases, a patient will not even be aware of having had a min stroke until he receives the result of a brain MRI which highlights damage to the brain. In all cases, however, it is a sign of something being not quite right with the cardiovascular system.

For additional cardiovascular health articles such as cholesterol readings and blood pressure cuff, please stop by our website.

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