12 Medical Facts That Are Good To Know As They Might Prove To Save Your Life One Day

Nov 15, 2018 by apost team

A medical emergency can occur to anybody at any time. While living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent certain emergencies, they can't eliminate them from ever happening.

This is why it's important to know what do in these situations. Having this information available in the back of one's mind may save a life in the future.

Regardless of how we might take care of ourselves, at some point in time, we will all have a moment of vulnerability. This why we should become aware of possible dangers, working to be prepared for anything that may go wrong.

1. Heart attack

The heart is arguably the most important muscle in the body. It needs a regular and consistent supply of blood to work properly. Heart attacks occur when oxygenated blood is no longer reaching the heart. When the heart isn't able to receive oxygenated blood, the body will shut down, resulting in death.

In order to determine if you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack, look for these symptoms:

  • Chest discomfort- During a heart attack, one will experience pressure in the chest, characterized by pain and squeezing.
  • Shortness of breath- Difficulty breathing is another symptom of a heart attack.
  • Increased anxiety.
  • Body aches - Pain in the back, stomach, neck, arms, and jaw can be another symptom of heart attacks. Incidentally, pain in the left arm is another key sign that a heart attack is imminent.
  • Coughing - Coughing can occur during a heart attack due to blood leaking into the lungs.

Due to the immediacy of a heart attack, it's essential to call emergency services immediately at the first signs that a heart attack is occurring.

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2. Cardiac arrest

Much like a heart attack, cardiac arrest involves the heart losing all functioning and the inability to breathe properly or remember anything. While cardiac arrest can appear to be a heart attack, there is a noticeable difference between the two. Heart attacks occur due to blocked blood flow, while cardiac arrest occurs when one's heart stops beating.

Considered to be "circulation" problem, a heart attack is caused by a physical problem in with heart. Alternatively, "electrical system malfunctions" are the cause of cardiac arrest.

Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

  • Inability to react.
  • Inability to breathe properly.
  • Weakness and a blackout.

3. Stroke

A powerful headache is one of the most telling signs of a stroke. Thought of as a "brain attack", this headache is a symptom of blood flow not reaching the rest of the brain. During a stroke, brain cells don't receive oxygen and will eventually die.

Pay attention to these signs in the event of a stroke:

  • Numbness in on one side of the body.
  • Trouble walking or difficulty speaking.
  • A sudden headache.
  • The inability to see through both or one eyes.

4. Coronary Heart Disease

CHD or coronary heart disease results in the narrowing in one's coronary arteries. Left untreated, CHD can result in a heart attack.

Studies show that aspirin can help treat CHD to prevent heart attacks or strokes.

The following signs are symptoms of CHD:

  • Angina- Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath- This occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to supply the body's needs.
  • Heart failure.

5. Arrythmia

Arrhythmia occurs when one has an irregular heart rhythm. Symptoms of this include:

  • Dizziness.
  • Fainting.
  • Weakness.
  • Sweating.

6. Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart can't pump blood properly. This happens when the heart is too weak to properly pump blood. About six million Americans are affected by heart disease, which can easily lead to heart failure.

Common symptoms of heart failure include:

  • Intolerance to exercise.
  • Racing heart.
  • Sore throat.
  • Swelling in ankles.
  • Loss of apetite.

Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms? Do you know what to do in the event that you see someone experiencing them? Leave your story below in the comments and don't forget to share this important information with your friends and family.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!