Cardiovascular emergencies are among the most common situations that trained first aiders and emergency rescue services handle. In this article, you will learn more about how cardiovascular diseases develop.
Trained first aiders, paramedics and EMTs respond to countless cases of cardiovascular emergencies every year. Many of these emergencies are caused, directly or indirectly, by a certain cardiovascular disease that develops over time, some are even preventable. Understanding the nature of cardiovascular diseases can help in the prevention and management of these emergencies.
Changes in the inner walls of major arteries are among the leading causes of many cardiovascular emergencies. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the different parts of the body. They can be part of the systemic circulation, the coronary circulation, or the pulmonary circulation. Two common cardiovascular conditions that may lead to cardiac emergencies include atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. These heart diseases involve changes in artery walls.
Atherosclerosis refers to a medical condition wherein fatty deposits buildup on the inner walls of arteries, causing the artery to narrow and restricting blood flow. Fats and other compounds combine to form this deposit called plaque. It develops gradually over time and eventually calcium can be deposited at the site of the plaque. Calcium deposits cause the wall to become hard and stiff – a condition known as arteriosclerosis. As arteries lose its elastic nature, there is a change in blood flow and an increase in blood pressure.
In both cardiovascular conditions, the blood flow becomes restricted. The rough surface of the inner walls of the arteries increases the chances of blood clot formation, causing increased narrowing and blockage of the blood vessel. This clot is known as thrombus. Over time, the thrombus grows in size and eventually blocking the blood flow (occlusion). It can also break loose (emboli) and travel throughout the system, until occluding a small artery. Cardiovascular emergencies can occur when the blood vessel become partially or completely blocked. The organs or tissues beyond the occlusion will be starved of oxygen and may die. If the blocked artery supplies blood to a large area of the brain or heart, the result can be severe.
Another cause of cardiovascular emergencies is the weakening of portions in the arterial walls. As blood gush through the arteries, the weak spot can begin to dilate, known as aneurysm. Aneurysm can be related to another arterial disease, or can also exist independently. If the aneurysm ruptures or bursts, it can lead to a rapid, life-threatening internal hemorrhage or bleeding. Blood supply to the organs or tissues beyond the rupturepoint can be cut off with blood. If the aneurysm involves a major artery of the heart, death due to shock can occur rapidly. The severity of aneurysm depends on the blood vessel affected.
Taking basic first aid training course can help respond well in different cardiovascular emergencies. These training courses are available year-round and can be taken at your free time. Contact your local St Mark James chapter or an accredited training partner for more details.