New Delhi: Famous Bollywood actor Nana Patekar died this morning of cardiac arrest. He was 75 years old and complained of chest pain. When the medical team was called, he was found unconscious. Even after 45 minutes of CPR, he did not regain consciousness, and the actor was declared dead. Cardiac arrest was the primary cause of Nana Patekar’s death, and he was administered CPR. Today, we will tell you how cardiac arrest differs from a heart attack and how to administer CPR.
What is the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Heart attacks and cardiac arrest are different. A heart attack occurs when there’s a blockage in the blood supply to the heart, preventing oxygen supply to the heart muscle. In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off blood supply to the body and brain. A person with a heart attack usually remains conscious and continues breathing, while a person with cardiac arrest suddenly becomes unconscious and stops breathing normally.
What are the typical symptoms of cardiac arrest?
Cardiac arrest always occurs suddenly, which is why symptoms can appear immediately. A person may suddenly faint, feel dizzy, or gasp. Additionally, cardiac arrest may be preceded by symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sudden weakness.
How to give CPR?
1. Place a hand on the chest: Have the person lie on their back on a flat, firm surface. Place the bottom of one palm on the center of the chest, i.e., the breastbone, and place the other hand on top of it.
2. Chest compressions: Keeping your elbows straight, press hard and quickly on the center of the chest. Perform 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute. Allow the chest to return completely to its normal position after each compression. For adults, compress the chest approximately 5 to 6 centimeters.
3. Continue until help arrives: If you are trained to perform CPR, perform 30 chest compressions followed by two mouth-to-mouth breaths. If you are untrained or unable to perform mouth-to-mouth breaths, simply continue performing chest compressions. Continue CPR until medical help arrives or until the person is breathing normally.
Call the medical team
If someone suddenly goes into cardiac arrest, call the medical team immediately. Ask them to bring an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machine. When CPR doesn’t restore consciousness, an AED is tried, which involves administering shock to the chest.
