Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

Cardiovascular Emergencies, CPR and AED

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In most cases, decreased blood flow to the heart itself is caused by a blood clot or a ruptured plaque. A plaque is a collection of cholesterol and calcium, which causes a narrowing of the coronary arteries. When a blockage occurs in an artery of the brain, it can cause a stroke, or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly called a mini-stroke.

Cardiovascular emergencies comprise an inadequate functioning heart or a compromised vascular system. An adequate, functioning heart needs a consistent blood supply via their coronary arteries, a mechanically sound structure (healthy muscle, nerves, and valves), and an adequate circulating blood volume. Anything which affects these three things will compromise heart function. When blood supply to the heart is compromised due to a partial blockage of a coronary artery leading to tissue stress, this is called ischemia . When there is a complete blockage of blood supply in the coronary arteries leading to cardiac tissue death, this is called myocardial infarction .

blood clot/ruptured plaque

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