What Might Cause Cardiac Arrest?
Each year throughout the United States more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting. Many of these occur very suddenly and without warning signs, and a large percentage proved fatal. As a family caregiver, this can be intimidating, and it is important to understand the risks and potential causes associated with cardiac arrest so you can feel informed and integrate protecting your senior’s heart into your daily care routine with them.
Some potential issues that may cause cardiac arrest include:
- Arrhythmia
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Enlarged heart
- Valvular heart disease
- Congenital heart disease
- Electrical problems in the heart
It is important to note that people with none of these issues can and do experience cardiac arrest. Some other risk factors associated with increased potential for experiencing cardiac arrest include:
- Family history of cardiac arrest
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Living a sedentary lifestyle or not getting enough exercise on a regular basis
- Personal history of cardiac arrest
- Personal history of heart attack
- Being older. This risk factor increases with age
- Being male
- Low potassium levels
- Low magnesium levels
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Immediate intervention is critical to survival after a cardiac arrest. After such an event, unconsciousness and death can occur very quickly. If you suspect your senior has suffered cardiac arrest, immediately call for emergency medical services and begin CPR. If an AED is available, use it to stimulate the heart to beat again. Do not stop emergency intervention until medical services have arrived. Encourage your senior to reduce their risk of cardiac arrest by living a heart-healthy lifestyle, including eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough exercise on a regular basis, and keeping up to date on their check ups.
Senior care can be an exceptional way to help your parent live a healthier lifestyle as they age in place. The services of a senior home care services provider are completely customizable for your senior. This means you’re aging loved one will get exactly what they need, when they need it, to keep them safe and healthy and promote as much independence as possible. These services can include safe and reliable transportation, assistance with activities of daily living, help with personal care tasks such as bathing, meal preparation, medication reminders, and more. This can greatly reduce your stress and enable you to delegate tasks, manage your time effectively, and focus more on your personal relationship with your loved one. To find a CHC Provider in Abington, PA talk to Unlimited Staffing Solutions.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sudden-cardiac-arrest/symptoms-causes/syc-20350634
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