Cardiac Arrest Uncovered: The Physiotherapist’s Perspective
Updated on: September 30, 2024
Introduction
Once thought to be an old man’s ailment, the spurt of heart attacks amongst the younger population has made the news and raised a certain level of alarm among people. According to the WHO, 32% of all global deaths can still be linked to cardiac ailments. Even with all the progress medicine has made, these fatalities have occurred, as at the end of the day, the INDIVIDUAL has to take the maximum responsibility for their health.
“A lot of young people are not surviving heart attacks, so it is very important to keep checking yourself. Women need to understand that heart attacks are not a men’s thing. Also, it is nothing to be afraid of, but it is important to stay vigilant.”
This is what actress Sushmita Sen had to say after she suffered a massive heart attack while shooting for a show. The incident shocked many, as a very fit woman in her 40s is not the sort of demographic that people think would be susceptible to significant cardiac incidents. But this, and several other incidents that have made the news, tell us that anyone could be vulnerable to an arrest, which is why it is crucial to keep your health in check and stay alert for any symptoms and signals of a cardiac arrest.
The Four Silent Signs
Look out for these little symptoms that could serve as a warning of an imminent cardiac arrest:
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea
- Cold Sweat
If any of these signs appear, rush to a hospital immediately. If that is not possible and the condition worsens, alert someone near you and have them perform CPR.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
A lot of people, when seeing someone fall and have a heart attack, make the mistake of taking them to the nearest medical facility. However, immediately performing CPR is the recommended protocol.
CPR is the medical procedure performed when a person suddenly has their heart or breathing stop. It consists of:
This is in no way a healing procedure and is only meant to restore temporary blood flow to the vital organs, which makes it easier for the person to be transported to the hospital for further treatment. If the CPR is successful, the doctors will conduct further tests, diagnose the exact problem, and assess what additional procedures might be required.
Role of Physiotherapy in Cardiac Arrest Prevention and Treatment
Physiotherapy can play a vital role in both preventing heart attacks and post-attack care, employing a variety of strategies to this end:
Programs like the Faculty of Physiotherapy do a fantastic job of spreading the word about heart health while educating its students on the best ways to save lives.
Conclusion: We Must Do Better. And We Can.
“How fit you feel doesn't always correlate with how fit you are biologically, especially when it comes to your heart.” Dr. Devi Shetty
The rising incidence of heart attacks among younger individuals, particularly in India, is a pressing concern. As we navigate a landscape shaped by stress, lifestyle choices, and the lasting effects of COVID-19, it becomes clear that both awareness and preventive measures are vital.
While you may be doing everything correctly by the book, the heart could literally, march on its own beat. This is why it is important that, aside from keeping your health in check, you must visit your nearest cardiac centre and get yourself checked routinely.
Physiotherapy as a field is making great strides in educating people, and this sentiment is reflected across some of the best colleges in Haryana, which are going out of their way to build a healthier, heartier future for us all.
