Causes, Risks, Symptoms and Treatment for Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib) is one of the most dangerous types of arrhythmias which affects the heart’s ventricles. An arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat that starts in the ventricle is called ventricular fibrillation which occurs when the electrical signals that tell your heart muscle to pump cause your ventricles to quiver (fibrillate) instead which means your blood is not pumping blood out to your body. V-fib may happen several times a day in some people. Sustained V-fib requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Causes- V-fib can occur during certain medical conditions although the cause is not always known. It most commonly occurs during an acute heart attack or shortly thereafter. Heart muscle can become electrically unstable when it does not get enough blood flow thus causing dangerous rhythms. A ticker damaged by a heart attack or other heart muscle damage is susceptible to V-fib. Some of the other causes include electrolyte abnormalities like low potassium, certain medicines, and certain genetic diseases that affect the ticker's ion channels or electrical conduction.

The most common risk factors are prior heart attack, a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), genetic diseases like Long or Short QT syndrome, Brugada disease, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, certain medicines that affect function of ticker, electrolyte abnormalities. The symptoms include near fainting or transient dizziness, acute shortness of breath, fainting and cardiac arrest.

A cardiac arrest victim would require immediate treatment for survival. The most appropriate treatment for handling out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies efficiently is proper application of the CPR procedure and defibrillator use. The CPR procedure comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Defibrillation use is taught in the CPR classes itself. For training, choose a certified training site such as the acclaimed CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. Become certified at the end of the training classes.

V-fib Diagnosis:

A healthcare provider considers an individual’s vital signs like blood pressure and pulse, assesses one’s overall health and medical history, conducts a physical exam, consider tests of heart function, such as an electrocardiogram and a description of symptoms that an individual has to diagnose ventricular fibrillation.

Treating V-fib:

When it comes to treating V-fib, there are two stages where first tries to stop your V-fib immediately to restore a blood pressure and pulse whereas the main focus of the second stage is on reducing your chances of developing V-fib in the future.

CPR- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be the first response to V-fib that’ll keep your blood moving.

Defibrillation- This is required during or immediately after the ventricular fibrillation that involves application of an electric shock through an Automated External Defibrillator device that can correct the signals that are telling your heart muscles to quiver instead of pump.

Medication- Drugs may be given by your healthcare provider to help you control and prevent another episode. Additional medications may also be prescribed to control arrhythmia and reduce your risk over time.

Catheter Ablation- The main objective of this rarely used procedure for ventricular fibrillation is to eliminate electrical triggers of V-fib.

Join a CPR program today and gain the benefits. For more information or to register for a class, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.

Tips to Getting Motivated to Exercise for your Heart and AHA CPR Classes in Nashville

There are days when people have trouble getting motivated to exercise even when one is aware it’s smart for the heart. It can be mentally tough to keep moving especially during the first three or four months of a new exercise program which can be attributed to the fact that you’re still shaping the exercise habit. It becomes easier to stick with it when you begin to see results that benefit your ticker that includes loss of weight around the waist and a feeling of strength. It develops the confidence and so develops the motivation and interest to keep moving.

Cardiovascular disease increases the risk of occurrence of life-threatening cardiac emergencies like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival. The most appropriate form of treatment is proper application of the life-saving CPR procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths. Make sure to select a certified training center for acquiring training such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Become certified at the end of an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers.

Tips to Staying Motivated:

1.      Every individual has a different reason for wanting to exercise that often goes beyond the usual goals of “losing weight” or “lowering blood pressure”. It is advisable that you envision your specific long-term reason for exercising and what it can do for you. Just note it down on a sticky note or index card which you can post on your washroom mirror, atop your gym shoes or anywhere else where you can readily see it. You can also create a regular reminder for your mobile and laptop as well.

2.      Motivation, for some people lies in knowing that exercise ameliorates key heart-health numbers. Track and record your blood pressure, weight or waist circumference to stay inspired to keep moving.

3.      Some people are motivated by a challenge, if you are one of them consider setting goals that you can use to compete against yourself or another person. For instance, getting a fitness tracker device and working up to a goal of 10000 steps a day is a great self-challenge.

4.      Motivation to exercise for some people is higher when sports are involved, as opposed to just working out alone. In this regard, you can look out for an intramural or recreation league like basketball, soccer, etc. in your community.

5.      Something about the setup may be getting in your way if it’s really difficult to get motivated to exercise. Perhaps you would have a better track record if you were to start getting into your gym clothes and working out first thing in the morning prior to any distractions hitting you. You can also purchase some hand weights or resistance bands for your home or can choose an activity that doesn’t necessitate special equipment if it’s tough for you to get to the gym to use weight machines.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims in out-of-hospital cases by signing up for a CPR course today. For more information, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.

Exercises that Strengthens the Heart and AHA Nashville CPR Classes

Being physically active ensures good heart health and is one of the most effective tools for strengthening heart muscle, keeping weight under control and warding off artery damage from high blood sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure that can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke. Although physical activity is a major step towards good heart health, different types of exercise are needed to provide complete fitness. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for the health of your ticker. When talking about flexibility, although it doesn’t contribute directly to ticker health but it provides a good foundation for performing aerobic and strength exercises more effectively.

The best way to deal with out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies (heart attack or cardiac arrest) is by joining an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville at an accredited training site. If you belong to the Nashville region in TN, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR Nashville where certified instructors conduct the classes through a series of audio and video lectures and hands-on practice.

Exercises that boosts heart health:

Aerobic Exercise- This kind of exercise includes brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, playing tennis and jumping rope. Heart-pumping aerobic exercise is the kind that healthcare providers have in mind when they recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. It improves circulation which results in lowered blood pressure and heart rate. It helps your cardiac output (how well your ticker pumps). People with diabetes should consider this exercise as it helps to control blood glucose.

Resistance Training- The training involves working out with free weights like hand weights, dumbbells or barbells, on weight machines, with resistance bands or through body-resistance exercises, such as push-ups, squats and chin-ups. The training has a more specific effect on body composition. People who carry a lot of body fat should consider this as it can help reduce fat and create leaner muscle mass. According to research, a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Flexibility, stretching- Doctors tend to recommend basic stretches that one can do at home and Tai chi and yoga can improve these skills. Stretching is an important part of flexibility workout that doesn’t directly contribute to ticker health but benefits musculoskeletal health, which enables you to stay flexible and free from joint pain, cramping and other muscular issues. Remember, flexibility is a critical part of being able to maintain aerobic exercise and resistance training. Additionally, flexibility and balance exercises help maintain stability and prevent falls which can cause injuries that can act as a barrier for other kinds of exercise. This should be performed every day and before and after other exercise.

For more information or to join a CPR course in Nashville, contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316.

Types of Coronary Bypass Surgery for Individuals and CPR Classes in Nashville

Coronary bypass surgery is considered the best treatment for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks and has been performed as a treatment for blocked heart arteries for very many years. The survival rates of heart attack patients were low prior to this surgery. Before going ahead with the types, read to know more about the healthcare provider CPR Nashville course types.

The CPR procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. If applied properly, they can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency like a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Always train in a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Read to know more about the CPR courses for healthcare providers:

Basic Life Support- BLS for Healthcare Provider class is recognized as the required certification for those employed by hospitals, attending a healthcare program at a college, nursing schools, outpatient surgery centers, dental offices, and many others. The course fee is $67.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support- Advanced Cardiac Life Support is a course that is required for most healthcare professionals that work in acute care areas of a hospital like the emergency department, intensive care unit, operating room, telemetry units, EMS/Fire Departments, surgery centers, etc. Professionals who attend first time ACLS training are physicians, registered nurses, new nursing graduates, paramedics, CRNAs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, anesthesiologists, dentists, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and any other healthcare professional whose employer requires this certification for their staff. The course fee is $297.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support- Pediatric Advanced Life Support is a course that is required for most healthcare professionals that work with the pediatric population with most PALS providers working in Pediatric Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Specialized Pediatric Departments, Pediatric Facilities that Provide Outpatient Surgery, Long Term Skilled Nursing Services, Sedation for Dental Procedures and Pediatric Transport. The course fee is $297.

Become certified at the end of the training classes after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

Coronary Bypass Surgery Types:

Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Treatments-

1.      Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery- This form of surgery is performed without the heart-lung machine, where a patient is given medications to slow the heart. This procedure came to the fore to minimize some of the complications and side effects of traditional coronary bypass surgery, such as stroke, temporary cognitive problems (memory loss, difficulty in thinking clearly), and bleeding.

2.      Coronary Bypass Surgery with Smaller Incisions- Coronary bypass surgeries with smaller incisions have been possible due to off-pump techniques. It allows for surgery via several tiny incisions of 2 inches or less.

Traditional Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery- The surgeries are performed by cardiac surgeons through a 6- to 8-inch incision in the chest and with the use of a heart-lung machine to take over the work of the heart and lungs during the surgery. This traditional form is the widely practiced one.

Contact CPR Nashville on 615-397-9316 for more information or to register for a course.

Link between Cardiac Embolism and Stroke and AHA CPR Classes in Nashville

A cardiac embolism is an obstruction that travels from the heart to lodge in the blood vessel. An embolus can either be built up of fatty material or can be a blood clot. Before everything else, let’s discuss what’s embolism is. Advance buildup of material in the vessel wall can block the blood vessels which is how plaque (atherosclerosis) creates blockages. An embolism is when plaque or another substance like a blood clot travels through the blood stream and becomes wedged in a blood vessel because of small diameter of the vessel. In atherosclerosis, buildup of plaques made of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls can restrict the blood flow through the arteries thus putting stress on the heart. Eventually, the plaque may rupture which can send materials traveling through the body that can lodge elsewhere, creating a clot which can cause serious problems anywhere in the body, especially when they form in the carotid arteries or in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Before furthering, read to know about the life-saving CPR classes.

If you are looking forward to signing up for an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville, make sure to choose a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Get to learn the life-saving procedures that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency. The course fees vary for different programs as there are courses for healthcare providers as well as general public.

Carotid Artery Blockage- Blood vessels in the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain (the carotid arteries) can become blocked with plaque causing carotid artery blockage which is a serious condition as the blockages disrupts blood flow to the brain tissue or may encourage a blood clot that may embolize causing an ischemic stroke by cutting off total blood flow. Reduce the risk of stroke by quickly identifying and treating carotid artery disease.

Left Atrial Appendage Blood Clots- Blood sometimes accumulate in a portion of the ticker namely left atrial appendage in individuals with Atrial Fibrillation. The accumulated blood over a period of time can clot which if travels to the brain can give rise to ischemic stroke.

Treating Cardiac Embolism:

With cardiac embolism, the main objective is to prevent blood clot formation. Consult with a healthcare provider on the matter who may prescribe blood-thinner medications known as anticoagulants to individuals with risk for blood clots. If the blood clot risk is because of a specific condition like atrial fibrillation, medications may be prescribed to regulate the pace of heartbeat. There are medical procedures available to reduce the occurrence of AFib episodes if there is no improvement in condition with the medications or the side-effects have got unbearable. Some therapies include

Catheter Ablation- A healthcare provider, in this procedure, destroys small amounts of heart tissue that are sending the irregular electrical signals causing AFib.

Left atrial appendage closure- This procedure is minimally invasive which seals off LAA to prevent accumulation of blood, and perhaps clotting.

Last, but not the least electrical cardioversion where the ticker is treated with an electric shock to restore its normal sinus rhythm.

Contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims by joining a CPR program today at CPR Nashville. You can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 to sign up. 

Information on Stroke Diagnosis and Nashville CPR Certification Courses

Recovering from a stroke has a lot to do with early diagnosis and early treatment of the condition. If you notice stroke symptoms, immediately call the emergency medical services by dialing 911 and inform them about you or the person you are with is having a stroke. One of the most effective ways to treat an ischemic stroke is t-PA. An individual stands a better chance of being evaluated and treated within the necessary three-hour window for receiving the treatment if one gets to the hospital or clinic within the first hour of the first symptoms. Prior to going ahead, let us throw light on the valuable CPR procedures.

The CPR procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breathings. Proper administration of the procedures can revive the life of a victim involved in a cardiac emergency which can either be a cardiac arrest or heart attack. For a CPR certification Nashville, make sure to sign up in a certified training center such as the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students.

Evaluation by Emergency Medical Services:

A stroke care team comprises emergency personnel, physicians, and other members who perform a few tests to determine if an individual is having a stroke, the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), and the location of the problem:

1.      The victim is questioned on describing the symptoms, providing a medical and family history of illnesses and a list of medications that he or she takes.

2.      Blood tests are conducted to gather more information and also to rule out other possible causes of stroke.

3.      Tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are conducted to determine if the stroke was caused by a blockage in the artery (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke).

4.      Doctors may also order a carotid ultrasound/Doppler scan, and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), CT angiogram, or carotid angiogram which helps to see the blood flow through the carotid artery.

5.      An echocardiogram is also recommended by a healthcare provider as stroke can be related to a heart problem sometimes.

6.      A doctor may also look at arteries in other parts of the body for signs of coronary artery disease or peripheral disease as stroke may also occur due to blockage or narrowing of the arteries to the brain. Chances for plaque building up in other parts of the body increases if arteries are narrowed or blocked in one part.

7.      People experiencing silent stroke don’t know about it until they have an MRI as silent stroke has no symptoms. Immediate treatment is as much essential for silent strokes to avoid having another, potentially more damaging stroke.

A primary care physician may refer to a specialist or a cardiologist for further diagnosis and treatment. Most cardiologists who are well-trained in treating blockages in the arteries leading to the heart are also prepared to treat most strokes because 85 percent of strokes are caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, or plaque, inside the vessels—the same condition that causes most heart attacks. 

Cardiologists have become very successful in stopping the stroke in its tracks by using procedures similar to those they use to stop heart attacks. A primary care doctor plays a huge role in overall care.

Join a program at CPR Nashville and contribute towards safety of victims. For more information, contact CPR Nashville on (615) 638-0005.

Information on Considerations for Physical Activity and Nashville CPR Classes

For good health especially good heart health, what is important is a healthy lifestyle inclusive of healthy diet and regular exercise. Physical activity is not without risk, but for most people the benefits outweigh the risks. Some people like individuals with congestive heart failure, older adults, and people with limited mobility — are at higher risk of complications relating to physical activity.

A healthy lifestyle will ensure good heart health which will keep cardiovascular disease at bay. The reasons behind most cardiac emergencies is cardiovascular disease with the two most life-threatening emergencies being a cardiac arrest or heart attack. The best way to deal with such emergencies is by signing up for an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville. If you are a resident of the Nashville region, you can sign up for a program at the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers. Become certified at the end of a training program after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.

Always consult a doctor prior to going ahead with an exercise routine. If you get clearance from the doctor and follow these guidelines, you are good to go:

Guidelines for people with CHF:

1.      People with congestive heart failure may be able to increase their physical activity provided the doctor gives the go-ahead. As per research, exercise improves the exercise capacity, overall function, and quality of life of people with CHF. In addition to that, physical activity may help prevent the development of CHF if you don’t already have it.

2.      People whose heart failure is related to valve disease may not be able to participate in some forms of exercise, especially the vigorous ones. You need to know the right and the most appropriate types of exercise for you.

3.      Also, inquire whether you are eligible for a cardiac rehabilitation program which includes a carefully monitored exercise program for your safety.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults:

1.      Perform exercises that improve balance if you are prone to falling.

2.      Perform as much physical activity as you can if you are unable to reach the recommended amount of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

3.      Find a companion to exercise with you which will encourage you, motivate you. Moreover, you’ll enjoy the process.

4.      It is advisable to adjust the intensity of your physical activity according to your fitness level.

5.      Start your activity at a low intensity and progress gradually with warm up being an important aspect.

Guidelines for people with limited mobility:

1.      Learn how to be more physically active within your limitations. Consult a doctor to find out which activities are safe for you.

2.      Ask your spouse to join you as you should not exercise alone for safety reasons.

3.      You can try stretching, lifting hand weights (or even household items like water bottles or cans of food), swimming, bicycling, rowing, yoga, walking or dancing, if you are able. You should perform activity that can get you moving for 10 minutes or more and get your heart rate up.

Hope, you find this information to be useful.

Sign up for a course at CPR Nashville and gain the benefits. You can either register online or call on 615-397-9316 for the same.