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With cardiac arrest, acting quickly is important. Whether it’s a loved one at home or a stranger in public, it’s important to know how to help them. Brain cells can begin to fail and the person can die within minutes, which is why it’s important to know what to do to help save a life if the time comes.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac arrest means that the heart suddenly stops functioning and blood isn’t circulating throughout the body. It’s often mistaken for a heart attack, which can cause cardiac arrest, though they’re different conditions. During cardiac arrest, the electrical functions of the heart fail, which is why a defibrillator is often used to shock the heart back into a steady rhythm. If it isn’t treated, a person can die in less than 10 minutes. People with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are all at higher risk for cardiac arrest, so have yourself regularly checked by a cardiologist if you have any of those conditions.

What to Do If You Witness Cardiac Arrest

cardiac-arrest-premier-cardiology-consultantsFirst, call 911 or have a bystander do so if someone collapses and their heart stops. Ask if there are any trained medical professionals around, as they’ll know how to best handle the situation. If not, ask if anyone knows CPR, as it’s the preferred immediate treatment, unless there is a defibrillator available and someone who knows how to use it. If you know CPR, begin performing it on the person. You need to keep blood circulating to the brain and organs so it can supply oxygen throughout the body. CPR can also help establish a steady rhythm in the heart until first responders arrive. If you don’t know CPR, it’s an extremely valuable skill to learn for helping people suffering from a variety of medical emergencies.

 

The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in Dothan, AL, is proud to offer a variety of services to its patients, and for more than 25 years, Dr. Nidal Unis, MD has helped his patients improve their heart health. Aside from practicing cardiology, Dr. Yunis is a trained vascular surgeon and can handle many cardiovascular procedures necessary for his patients’ health. Call (334) 699-6396 to schedule a consultation and connect online to explore their practice further.

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