Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Diseases Included in CVD Hypertension High Blood Pressure Often goes unnoticed because there are no obvious symptoms – known as the “silent killer” Atherosclerosis A fatty substance (plaque) builds up inside the artery walls making it difficult for blood to flow through

Diseases Continued Arrhythmia Irregular heartbeats Congestive Heart Failure A condition in which the heart slowly weakens over time Stroke A sudden disruption of blood flow to part of the brain

Questions to Ask Ask person to smile If they had a stroke, one side will sag Ask them to repeat a simple sentence If they had a stroke, their speech will be slurred Ask them to raise their arms If they had a stroke, one arm will lag Ask them to stick out their tongue If they had a stroke, they will not be able to do this

Diseases Continued Heart Attack Occurs when some of the tissue in the heart does not receive normal blood supply and dies Warning signs #1 Chest pain #2 Shortness of breath #3 Sweating #4 Nausea #5 Denial Other: weakness, anxiety, and pain spreading to shoulder, neck, or arm

First Aid for Heart Attack 1. Recognize it is a heart attack 2 First Aid for Heart Attack 1. Recognize it is a heart attack 2. Stop person from doing whatever they are doing and lie down 3. Call 911 4. Return to victim and “interview” them 5. Be prepared to do CPR

Preventing CVD Uncontrollable Risks Heredity Ethnicity Gender Age Maintain a healthy weight Eat a healthy diet Be physically active Manage stress Monitor blood pressure Avoid smoking and drinking

Responding to an Emergency Check Make sure the scene is safe Check the victim for: Severe bleeding Unconsciousness Breathing difficulties Call 911 Care Be prepared to do first aid

Choking For adult or older child perform Heimlich Maneuver If alone lean over back of chair For infant or young child perform back blows and chest thrusts