First Aid Instructor PowerPoint by John Lippmann & David Natoli

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1 VISUAL 7 Module 7 Cardiac Conditions A lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking and hereditary factors can be responsible for plaque deposits building up inside the walls of blood vessels. This is known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and includes heart disease and stroke. CVD is the major cause of death in Australia and elsewhere in the developed world.

2 First Aid Instructor PowerPoint by John Lippmann & David Natoli J. Lippmann & D. Natoli, 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written permission from the authors. Lippmann, John. Published by J.L. Publications, a Division of Submariner Publications P/L, ABN PO Box 387 Ashburton, Vic. 3147, Australia. Tel/Fax: ; jlpubs@bigpond.net.au Acknowledgements The authors wish to sincerely thank the following people for their contributions and editorial comments: Dr. David Pescod, Assoc. Prof. John Williamson, Prof. Vic Callanan, Assoc. Prof. Julian White, Dr. Peter Sullivan, Tony Walker and Mick Jackson. Published for the Royal Life Saving Society Australia Suite 6 Level Broadway (cnr Mountain St), Broadway NSW 2007 Tel Fax Royal Life Saving Society Australia wishes to acknowledge the contribution to this publication of RLSS New South Wales through Operations Manager Michael Ilinsky. Royal Life Saving wishes to acknowledge the dedicated and professional team of staff and volunteers who will use this valuable first aid publication to train and assess community lifesavers in schools, communities, corporates and across various industries almost every day.

3 VISUAL 7.1 Cardiac conditions The heart is a muscle that is working continuously pumping p in an adult about 5 litres per minute or over 2.5 million litres per year. The heart receives its own blood supply from two arteries that run over the external surface of the heart the coronary arteries. Over time, these coronary arteries become narrowed through a process called atherosclerosis (gradual build up of fatty substances).

When the artery lumen (opening) has narrowed

cardiac symptoms (chest discomfort / chest

episodes of angina may become more frequent

4 When the artery lumen (opening) has narrowed to a certain level, victims will experience cardiac symptoms (chest discomfort / chest pain). This usually dissipates after rest. This condition is called Angina. As the artery continues to narrow, the episodes of angina may become more frequent and easily triggered. Submariner Publications 2006 Angina VISUAL 7.2

5 VISUAL 7.3 Angina SIGNS & SYMPTOMS TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT Development of chest pain or tightness; May be gradual or sudden onset Often described as heavy, dull or crushing May radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders or arms Pale, cold and sweaty skin Maydevelop shortness of breath May appear distressed May be impossible to distinguish from a heart attack Rest and reassure the victim If this is the first episode seek urgent medical assistance If the victim has their own medication, assist them to take it Provide supplementary oxygen, if available If the victim s condition does not improve with medication and rest, seek urgent assistance

6 VISUAL 7.4 Heart attack A heart attack or an acute myocardialinfarction infarction (AMI) is where the coronary artery has become narrowed to a critical point such that blood flow through it is insufficient to keep the heart muscle supported by that artery alive. This usually occurs suddenly when the inner lining of the blood vessel has undergone some damage. The damaged dmuscle may interfere with the normal contraction process of the heart and may no longer be able to pump blood (cardiac arrest).

7 VISUAL 7.5 Heart attack SIGNS & SYMPTOMS TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT Chest pain or tightness; May be gradual or sudden onset Often described as heavy, dull or crushing May radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders or arms Pale, cold and sweaty skin Shortness of breath May appear distressed If unresponsive: If responsive: Send for urgent medical assistance Assist the person to a position of comfort Rest and reassurance (do not allow the person to move around) Loosen any tight clothing If the victim has their own medication, assist them to take it Provide supplementary oxygen if available Do not leave the person unattended Be prepared for sudden unresponsiveness. Conduct a Primary Survey and act accordingly Attach a defibrillator if possible Provide supplementary oxygen.

BASIC CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (BCLS) PROGRAMME

BASIC CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT (BCLS) PROGRAMME Institute for Medical Simulation & Education Introduction 2 Module 2 The Chain of Survival 3 Module 3 The Heart 3.1 Anatomy & Function 3.2 Heart Attack 3.3 Risk