Know if it is a Heart Attack or Heart Failure and CPR Training Nashville Programs

Heart attack and heart failure can both be mixed up easily. But there are big differences in what causes these conditions and how they make you feel. It is important for you to know about the condition that you have which will help guide your doctor in making an effective treatment plan for you. It is mainly heart disease which leads to a heart failure or occurrence of a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with cardiac emergencies is by undergoing CPR training Nashville. In the classes, students would be imparted training in the life-saving procedures comprising of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the techniques can lead to the survival of a victim in the middle of a cardiac emergency. 

You can sign up for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Nashville. At the end of the training classes, a student will be eligible for a certification after successfully passing a skills test and a written exam. 

Having a heart attack means that the flow of blood to your ticker is suddenly blocked whereas heart failure is a long-term problem which happens when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood through the body to meet its needs. 

How it Feels if it’s a Heart Attack

You may get some of the below-mentioned symptoms:

Chest Discomfort- You may have a sense of squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest which could last for more than a few minutes, or it might go away and come back.

Pain in the Upper Body- You might feel uncomfortable in one or both arms or your back, neck, jaw or stomach. 

Shortness of Breath- You may feel this with or without chest discomfort.

How it Feels if it’s Heart Failure

1.      Shortness of breath

2.      Persistent cough or wheeze

3.      Swelling in your feet, ankles, legs, or belly

4.      Weight gain

5.      Fatigue

6.      Lack of appetite or nausea

7.      Faster heart rate

Causes of Heart Attack

1.      It is a “coronary heart disease” that increases the chances for someone to get a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Waxy plaque builds up on the insides of your blood vessels, which gradually narrows the passageway, this takes places over the course of an individual’s life. Doctors call this process atherosclerosis and it speeds up when an individual is obese, the person smokes or has high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or diabetes. 

2.      Sometimes plaque gathers in the coronary arteries -- the pipelines that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

3.      Sometimes all or part of the plaque breaks off the inside of the vessel wall, where it's been lodged, and causes a blood clot. It can completely cut off the blood flow through the artery, if it gets big enough.

4.      Cells in the heart starts to die since your blood no longer carries oxygen from the lungs to the heart. The heart muscle not getting enough oxygen or nutrients is referred to as ischemia. A part of the heart muscle getting damaged leads to a heart attack.

Causes of Heart Failure

A healthy heart moves blood steadily through your lungs to pick up oxygen, then back out into the rest of your body. With heart failure, something goes wrong with the process during which the heart muscle pumps more quickly than usual and doesn’t move as much blood. 

Just like heart attack, the most common cause is coronary artery disease when the coronary artery narrows thus cutting the blood flow leading to weakening of the heart. 

A few other things that play a role in heart failure include genetics, infections, chemotherapy, alcohol or drug-abuse, abnormal heart rhythms and long-term diseases like diabetes, HIV and hypothyroidism. 

You should consult your doctor in order to have a proper treatment plan in place.

For undergoing CPR training Nashville at CPR Nashville, either register online or call on 615-397-9316 for registration.

Cut your Cholesterol ASAP to Keep Heart Disease at Bay in Nashville, TN

Heart disease has been claiming a lot of lives lately which can be attributed to the fact that heart disease increases the chances for someone to get a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The two biggest risk factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The best way to deal with such life-threatening cardiac emergencies is by undergoing CPR training Nashville. The Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques comprise of chest compressions and rescue breaths and administering the techniques properly can restore the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. 

Always undergo training in an accredited training center such as the AHA accredited CPR Nashville in Tennessee which comprises of some of the most experienced CPR instructors. The courses for the healthcare providers include Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. The courses for the general public include “HeartSaver CPR” and “HeartSaver First Aid”. Always go through the course curriculum prior to signing up for a program in order to enroll for the most appropriate program for yourself. 

Like we have already said heart disease is the biggest risk factor that leads to cardiac emergencies. In order to keep heart disease at bay, what is required is keeping the high blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. 

We are listing a few tips on how you can cut down your cholesterol:

Avoid Saturated Fat- Cutting back on saturated fat is the best way to curb LDL cholesterol and protect your heart. According to the American Heart Association, only 5 percent to 6 percent of your total calories should come from saturated fat which is about 11 to 13 grams. What you can do is you should check your food labels for how much saturated fat is in the serving. 

Pound the Pavement- Like we all know that most people lead a sedentary lifestyle these days which all the more increases their chances of getting heart disease. So, include some form of exercise in your daily routine which can range from swimming, cycling to just a mere walking for a few minutes everyday. 

Healthy Diet- You should add more vegetables, whole grain, or fruit on your plate, even if you decide to keep meet in your diet because you will get fiber and nutrients which will make you feel fuller, faster. The soluble kind of fiber is especially good for pushing down LDL. You'll get plenty in oatmeal and oat bran, beans, Brussels sprouts, and oranges. Women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber each day, and men should shoot for 38 grams. As per a study, people with high cholesterol who tried it for 6 months saw their LDL drop by about 13%. 

Make sure to also add more plant foods to your plate. If you do keep some animal protein, eat fatty fish -- such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines -- a couple of times a week which will help you in getting omega-3 fatty acids that raise HDL cholesterol (the "good" kind).

Strength Training- Your aim should be to do it 2 to 3 days a week. You can do classic moves like lunges, pushups, and squats that use your body weight for resistance. Or you can use handheld weights. If you’re a beginner, start with light ones and do two to three sets of 10-14 reps each.

So, undergo a CPR training Nashville and contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest or heart attack victims. You can either sign up for a program at CPR Nashville online or call on 615-397-9316 for registration.

Information about Women’s Heart and CPR Training Nashville in TN

Heart disease is one of the most serious health issues among both men and women in USA but an important fact is that heart disease doesn’t affect them in the same way. Some heart conditions are more likely to happen in women and the symptoms also vary for both genders. It is important for people to know what to watch for and how to protect the heart as an individual grows old.

It is a heart disease which causes the occurrence of a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with such emergencies is by going for a CPR training Nashville program. In the classes, students would be imparted training in the life-saving resuscitation procedures comprising of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Performing the techniques efficiently in a real-life scenario can lead to the survival of cardiac arrest or heart attack victims. 

If you are a resident of the Nashville region in Tennessee, you can enroll for a program at the AHA accredited CPR Nashville where both theoretical and practical training in CPR are imparted to the students. At CPR Nashville, the courses for the healthcare professionals include Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. The programs for the general public include “CPR for public or HeartSaver CPR” and “First Aid” program. The fees are different for different programs.

Heart Disease in Women:

Warning Signs- It is totally different from what you see in movies where everyone has chest pain during a heart attack. In real life, women may have less obvious symptoms and are as likely to have shortness of breath as chest pain. A woman might also experience pain in the jaw, back, or upper belly. And women also may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy.

“Broken Heart” Syndrome- The medical term for this is stress-induced cardiomyopathy which is more likely to happen to women than men. It’s caused by a sudden release of stress hormones, and it happens after very emotional events like divorce or a death in the family. A part of the heart gets bigger and can’t pump blood as well. That can cause intense chest pain, but quick treatment can lead to a full recovery.

Menopause- Menopause does not cause heart disease but natural changes that take place in the body during menopause can make a woman more likely to have it. With the level of estrogen going down, the arteries can get stiffer and blood pressure, belly fat, and LDL (or “bad” cholesterol) can go up after menopause, too. A key to heart health during this time is by being active. 

SCAD- SCAD stands for spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) which is when one of the heart’s blood vessels tears that can slow down or block the blood flow and lead to intense chest pain and other symptoms that can feel like a heart attack. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated quickly. Women are more likely than men to have SCAD, especially if they’ve given birth recently. 

Diabetes- Having diabetes doubles the chances for women to get heart disease which can be attributed to the fact that blood sugar level slows down the flow of oxygen in the blood that can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. On top of that, women with diabetes are more likely to be obese and have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. With proper diet and exercise, weight and blood sugar levels can be managed. 

Prevention:

        I.            Quit smoking

      II.            Check your family tree

    III.            Watch your cholesterol levels

    IV.            Maintain a healthy weight

Heart Protection during Pregnancy- The heart pumps more blood in a woman who is pregnant which can put stress on the heart and arteries. Labor and delivery adds to the strain. Women who have heart rhythm or valve issues should watch for shortness of breath, a fast heart rate, or signs of serious infections while they’re pregnant. If you have high blood pressure or get it during pregnancy, it could lead to a serious disorder called preeclampsia that can be detrimental for the health of both mother and the baby.

Always stay prepared in facing a cardiac emergency by undergoing CPR training Nashville. You can either register for a program online or call on 615-397-9316 for registration at CPR Nashville.

Ways to Ease the Stress of a Heart Condition among People in Nashville, TN

Any heart condition like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, high blood pressure or even high cholesterol can be a source of worry. Today our discussion is centered around ways to easing the stress of a heart condition.

Regardless of your background, you should enroll in a CPR training Nashville program in order to acquire knowledge in the life-saving resuscitation procedures which comprise of chest compressions and rescue breaths which can come handy for you in saving the life of a cardiac arrest victim in a real-life situation. Always go for an accredited training center for acquiring training such as the AHA accredited CPR Nashville in Tennessee. 

Remember that stress can make heart conditions worse as it increases the risk for diabetes. Not only that, the body makes hormones in response to stress which can play a huge role in causing inflammation in the arteries that could be dangerous. Stress also leads people to handle anxiety in unhealthy ways like too much drinking or overeating or smoking. One cannot prevent stress completely. But there are a few ways to deal with it when it happens.

Read on:

Exercise- For a heart condition, exercise is one of the best things that you can do as it not only improves physical health but also improves the mood and cuts stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week of moderately intense activity. Take a brisk walk, swim, bike, or do just about anything that gets your heart.

Do Something New- Change your outlook towards life to come out of stress as feeling stressed out and sick can put you in a rut.

1.      Visit a restaurant you haven’t been to before

2.      Listen to a different style of music

3.      Learn a foreign language

4.      Spend more time outdoors than indoors

Be Helpful- Helping others can take your mind off troubles and can boost your spirit when you are feeling worried and unwell.

Go for Active Relaxation- Some of the good options include mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, meditation which can help you in effectively managing your stress.

Avoid Triggers- Try and put yourself in situations that engage you. Spend time with people you love and with whom you feel calm and comfortable with.

Get Adequate Sleep- Aim for 7 to 9 hours of restful shut-eye at night as lack of sleep seems to raise levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. 

Take Help- Do vent out or talk with someone you are comfortable with if you feel that stress is getting in the way of your life. You can consult a psychiatrist or therapist for help. Airing your concerns with a sympathetic ear can help you discover new ways to approach your problems. It will help you to release the stress in the most effective manner.

These are some of the ways that can help you in effectively managing your stress. You need to manage your stress in order to keep your heart healthy.

Go ahead and register yourself in a CPR training Nashville program at CPR Nashville and just be rest assured that there can be nothing better than that. For more information or to register for a program, call on 615-397-9316. Go through the course curriculum prior to enrolling for a program as there are courses for both healthcare as well as non-healthcare providers.