The study shows that the signs appear hours before cardiac arrest and are different between men and women
EINSTEIN AGENCY – Half of patients who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest experience at least one symptom in the hours or days before, a report shows. American study published in The Lancet, carried out by the Cedars-Sinai Health System, in Los Angeles (USA). The authors’ goal was to help identify first signssince this event has a very high mortality rate, reaching 90% when it occurs outside a healthcare facility.
While heart attack is the most common cause of cardiac arrest, other conditions such as congenital heart disease and arrhythmias may also be underlying the problem. Cases linked to trauma and drug use were excluded from the research.
The authors conducted an observational study evaluating two groups of patients who called emergency services reporting similar symptoms and who had witnesses to the event who could report how they felt at the time of the event or hours before. One of them, among about 400 people, had actually suffered cardiac arrest. They were compared with a control group of more than 1,100 people who had other health problems. Therefore, they were able to delineate which symptoms were most associated with heart problems.
Among those with heart disease, half had a symptom hours before or the day before. The most common were chest pain and shortness of breath, which appeared in more than 30% of cases, as well as intense sweating and a form of convulsion, characterized by changes in movement and vision.
Men had more chest pain, shortness of breath and excessive sweating, while women felt more shortness of breath. Dizziness, abdominal problems, weakness and nausea were less common than in the other group of patients.
While the authors acknowledge limitations of the methodology — including inaccuracies in symptom reporting and comparing two groups that don’t necessarily have the same characteristics — the data reinforces more common signals that deserve more attention. A previous study had already demonstrated this only a minority (about 19%) seek medical attention before a collapseat the first signs that something is wrong.
Differences between men and women
“Studies show that men and women can present different symptoms before cardiac arrest due to a heart attack,” says cardiologist Patrícia Guimarães, of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. “Anatomical and biological problems, in addition to hormonal differences, contribute to changes in the heart vessels,” she explains.
They therefore tend to experience so-called atypical symptoms such as shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, pain in the back and even in the neck and jaw – and not necessarily the classic pain in the center of the chest. But the cardiologist explains it any symptom that is new, different, or attention-getting deserves investigation.
It is worth remembering that the best way to avoid a heart attack is early prevention, with monitoring by a specialist. “Every individual is different and has different symptoms, which is why everyone must have a strategy to prevent and detect heart problems early,” the doctor emphasizes.
“It’s important individualization of treatment, taking into account life history, family history, habits and the presence of other risk factors, such as hypertension and high cholesterol. The doctor will outline a strategy for each person, including exercise, diet and medications, if necessary.”
When faced with a patient with suspected cardiac arrest, The first thing to do is ask for help – be they firefighters or mobile emergency service (Samu). “Our impulse is to want to help, but treatment alone is not necessary. Help involves teamwork and asking for help is what ensures that the most prepared treatments arrive on time. This is what saves human lives “, underlines the cardiologist.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
