Heart attacks are a serious health concern, but did you know that it is possible to have a heart attack and not even know it? A “silent” heart attack is a real thing and can be just as dangerous as one where the symptoms are obvious. As a woman, it is important to understand what a silent heart attack looks like and how to recognize if you may be having one.
What is a Silent Heart Attack?
This occurs when the arteries that supply your heart with oxygen become blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to die. The difference between this type of heart attack and one with symptoms is that there are no recognizable signs that something is wrong—no chest pain, no sweating, no irregular heartbeat. Because the symptoms are so hard to detect, many people don’t realize they’ve had a heart attack until long after it has happened.
What Are the Symptoms of a Silent Heart Attack?
The symptoms of a silent heart attack may not be immediately noticeable. However, there are some common indicators that could indicate you’ve had one. These include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, indigestion or stomach discomfort, back or jaw pain and increased anxiety. If you experience any of these symptoms after physical activity or during times of stress—especially if they last more than 10 minutes—it could mean you’re having a silent heart attack.
How Can I Reduce My Risk for Having One?
The best way to reduce your risk for having an undetected or silent heart attack is to maintain good cardiovascular health. This includes exercising regularly (150 minutes per week), eating healthy foods (more fruits and vegetables!) and managing stress levels (try yoga!). Regular visits with your doctor will also help detect any underlying conditions that could put you at risk for having one. Additionally, regular blood pressure checks will help ensure that your blood vessels remain healthy and functioning properly.
Having knowledge about what can cause a silent heart attack can help you take action if needed in order to prevent one from happening in the first place! It is important for women to stay proactive about their health by exercising regularly, eating healthy foods and managing stress levels while also checking up on their blood pressure every now and then! Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of these symptoms occur or if you simply feel uneasy about your current health status; they will be able to provide further guidance based on your individual situation! Taking care of yourself now will lead to greater protection later on down the road!
Here are some tools to help you know your vital signs.
Some are affiliate links.
Blood pressure monitoring device, Blood saturation monitor, KardiaMobile 6-Lead Personal EKG Monitor
Have you ever seen an ambulance arrive on the scene and then just sit there without leaving?
If you've ever watched an emergency medical drama on TV, you know that once someone goes into cardiac arrest (heart stops), the ambulance rushes them off to the hospital. It is the usual, close the back of the ambulance doors, a big fist tap on the window and off they go.
However, in real life, ambulances sometimes stay on scene especially when CPR is in progress.
With recent events that unfolded on TV, many people, including newscasters are questioning the length of time spent on scene while CPR was in progress.
In most instances, the protocols for EMS personnel is to have a 10 minute scene time or less. Which means once they arrive at the patient’s side, they have 10 minutes to start moving towards the hospital.
This IS NOT the case when CPR is in progress. EVER! Even with children and infants.
I am sure many of you right now are having a panic attack reading this. Let me explain.
When someone receives CPR, it is because their heart has stopped and they are no longer getting oxygen to their brain. The purpose of CPR is to restore circulation and oxygenation in order to improve the possibility of restoring normal functioning of the heart.
For best results, emergency medical services will initiate CPR on scene and continue all treatments on scene.
Why?
Proper chest compressions are a must. Any amount of interruption in chest compressions decreases the chance of survival for that patient.
For example-
→Moving that patient and placing them on a stretcher.
→Moving that patient on the stretcher to the ambulance.
→Movement during the ride to the hospital.
All of these movements’ interrupts chest compressions.
By staying and providing treatments such as
→defibrillation
→cardiac medications,
→obtaining an adequate airway,
→IV fluids
helps the survival rate of the patient.
Emergency medical services are well educated on treating cardiac arrest. The treatment on scene is the same treatment they would receive at the hospital.
So, when do they start moving towards the hospital?
→If and when the patient’s pulse returns,
→If it has been over 20 minutes of unsuccessful CPR for a child or infant,
→Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we are unsuccessful with all treatments and the patient sadly dies.
Understanding why ambulances sometimes remain on site rather than immediately heading off for a hospital can help us feel more reassured if we ever find ourselves in such a situation (or are watching from afar).
Do your part, learn CPR and help save a life.
In our medical profession, it is so important to maintain mental clarity and energy for an effective delivery of care. This can be especially difficult in times when stress or fatigue may take their toll.
It is essential to equip yourself with the right tools so that you can remain alert, focused and energized throughout your work day. Through lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise as well as alternative remedies such as meditation, there are several ways you can increase and improve your mental clarity and boost your energy levels.
Here are some strategies for increasing mental clarity and energizing your day-to-day performance in the medical field.
- Get enough quality sleep. How much sleep you get is directly proportional to how much energy you will have throughout the day (women DO need more than men, it is scientific)
- Manage your stress
- Practice mindfulness
- Find a work-life balance (it is OK to say no when the boss wants you to work extra)
- Practice self-care
- Move your body
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Ask for help
If you’re dealing with mental fatigue, there are a number of things you can do to increase your energy and clarity without resorting to medications or even those 5-hour energy drinks (we know they are really bad for us, right?).
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, try implementing some of these tips and see how they work for you.
And if you’re looking for a great supplement to help improve your cognitive function, grab it here.
This is the stuff I use every day. When I know there will be a busy day and have lots on my plate or when that midnight call or transfer comes in and you just feel tired. You need a quick pick me up. This will do just that. You will be focused and clear in mind.
Oh, and it is healthy for you!!
Chances are, you will never have to perform CPR on a child. But as a responsible adult, it's important to know how to do it just in case. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform pediatric CPR.
- 1. The first thing you need to do is call 911. Stay calm. (I know easier said than done). Once you have made the call, you will need to start chest compressions right away.
- 2. Position the child on his or her back on a firm surface. If an AED is available, prepare it for use.
- 3. Place your hands into a circling position around the infant’s chest. Place your thumbs together on the middle of the chest just below the nipple line. Give 30 compressions at a rate of at least 100/minute. Compress the chest 1/2 to 1/3 of the chest diameter.
- 4. After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin with your fingers. Make a seal over both the mouth and nose with your lips and blow two slow breaths into the lungs – one second each – making sure you keep the head tilted back and chin lifted throughout this process. Check for rise and fall of chest after each breath delivered. If you do not see chest rise, reposition head before giving next rescue breath.
- 5. Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths until spontaneous respiration resumes, an AED arrives, or you become too exhausted to continue. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, apply it as soon as possible and follow the device's instructions. If you are alone with the child and no AED is available, continue performing CPR until help arrives or the child begins to revive.
Pediatric CPR can be daunting, but it is a vital life-saving technique when performed correctly. By following these simple steps, you can be prepared for any emergency situation involving a child. Remember to stay calm, focus on compressions, and breathe slowly and evenly. With proper training and preparation, you can save a life.
Watch this video on how to perform Pediatric CPR. Then come back and let me know if it helped. Have a great day!
