Emergency & Acute Care Medicine

Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical medical situations that involve the heart and its associated blood vessels. These emergencies often require immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications or even death. Some common cardiac emergencies include:

• Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): A heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This can lead to damage or death of a portion of the heart muscle. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.


• Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, causing the heart to stop beating effectively. This results in an abrupt cessation of blood flow to the body and brain. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and, often, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore the heart's rhythm.


• Angina: Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It's usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress and is relieved with rest and/or medication. While angina isn't a heart attack, it's a warning sign that the coronary arteries may be narrowed or blocked, increasing the risk of a heart attack.


• Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms that can range from harmless to life-threatening. Ventricular fibrillation, a rapid and chaotic rhythm, can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. Bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate, can also cause fainting or dizziness.


• Heart Failure: Heart failure occurs when the heart's pumping ability becomes weakened and is unable to adequately circulate blood throughout the body. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, fluid retention (swelling of the legs and ankles), and difficulty performing physical activities.


• Aortic Dissection: Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition can be life-threatening if the tear causes the aorta to rupture. Symptoms may include sudden, severe chest or back pain.