Since the onset of the coronavirus epidemic, protection from the onslaught of the virus has become a major concern. In the meanwhile, the incurable diseases that have been with us for years seem to have disappeared from the discussion, including some very serious, deadly heart diseases.
In particular, numerous studies have shown that people with heart disease are at higher risk of contracting the virus and of serious consequences.
The ‘Principal Director and Chief of Cath Labs’ Department of Cardiac Sciences at Max Hospital in India, Dr. Vivek Kumar talks about how to handle this sudden ‘heart attack’ or ‘cardiac arrest’.
The relationship between sudden cardiac arrest and covid-19
Coronavirus increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). That is what the experts claim. When the heart rate loses its normal rhythm, its normal blood circulation is lost. This condition is medically called 'cardiac arrhythmia'.
If steps are not taken in time, it can lead to death. Therefore, it is very important for SCA to take immediate action. And at that time you should not be afraid of the virus.
Sudden cardiac arrest can be predicted about two weeks before the main attack.
1.Chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common.
2.Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeats, loss of consciousness, etc. are also predicted.
In such a situation, you need to contact a cardiologist immediately and if necessary, you have to be admitted to the hospital.
Smoking increases the risk of coronavirus infection in a person who has had a cardiac arrest before, uncontrolled blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, etc.
What to do to handle the situation
In the case of ‘sudden cardiac arrest’, the heart stops beating abruptly. There is a strong possibility of death if the treatment is not given quickly. Experts consider loss of consciousness to be the most risky prediction. If there is any change in the patient's speech or behavior after regaining consciousness, it is assumed that something serious has happened.
The first step to deal with the situation would be to implement Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). With this emergency procedure, the doctor resumes blood circulation and respiration through chest compressions on his hands.
Every person should be trained to apply CPR as first aid from veterans.
Treatment
CPR will be the first aid until you reach the hospital. The patient may be given ‘Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillation (ICD)’ after hospitalization.
In this method, the battery-powered device is placed on the patient's chest, which will detect irregular heartbeat and resolve it with an electric shock.
Necessary precautions for epidemics
Coronavirus hygiene is a hundred times more important for a patient with a sudden cardiac arrest than for a healthy person.
The medicine given by the doctor cannot be tampered with and the doctor should be contacted daily. It is very important to report any abnormalities to the doctor immediately. Want to stay with proper diet and exercise as much as possible.
Older heart patients are more likely to have new problems due to the epidemic. Therefore, the system of giving quick treatment should be considered in advance.
Good article