heart attack risk factors

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Many people associate CPR with heart attacks. However, because heart attacks usually don’t cause the heart to stop beating, CPR is not often needed following a heart attack. In contrast, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, without warning, and stops the heart from pumping blood. This is when CPR is needed to save the patient’s life, and to preserve brain and organ function.

What are other differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest? We turned to the American Heart Association for more information.

What is a Heart Attack?

When a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, that part of the heart begins to die. If the blocked artery is not reopened, damage can be severe.

Because of the gradual nature of a heart attack, symptoms often begin and build slowly, over the course of several hours, days, or even weeks. And symptoms vary, especially between men and women. It’s important to know and be able to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike the slow build of a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs with little warning. The effects are immediate. Cardiac arrest is triggered by an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Without CPR performed by a bystander or medical professional, the patient will lose consciousness and die in a matter of minutes. Even if the patient survives, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and organs could cause permanent damage. This is why it’s vitally important for bystanders to know CPR – and be ready and willing to perform it when necessary.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Numbers to Track for Heart Health

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

When it comes to heart health, it’s important to be aware of risk factors and health indicators long before a problem arises. But the sheer volume of information around preventative measures can be overwhelming. To keep it simple, here are four basic metrics that the American Heart Association recommends tracking on a regular basis. Doing so can help you identify and prevent a heart attack or similar issue down the road.

Blood Pressure

If you track just one measure of heart health, it should be blood pressure, experts say. An elevated blood pressure can have a significant impact on your heart. Talk to your doctor to understand your current blood pressure, and to determine a blood pressure goal. If you track blood pressure at home, make sure you’re getting accurate readings, and continue to see your doctor regularly.

Cholesterol

Because there are different types of cholesterol with different effects on heart health, it’s important to get a reading and understanding from your doctor. Continue to monitor cholesterol with regular blood tests.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar is important because, when elevated, it’s an early sign of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease or stroke. Regularly monitoring blood sugar can alert you of a diabetes risk early, and give you time to make dietary changes.

Sleep

It can be tough to get enough sleep, but it’s important. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night – too much or too little can be harmful for your heart. The good news is that sleep is relatively easy to monitor and track, either through a wearable tracker or simply by writing down the number of hours you sleep every night.

What’s one additional way to protect the hearts of those around you? Learn CPR!

HeartCert CPR is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How to Care For Your Heart During Allergy Season

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Spring is here in Minnesota, bringing warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and pollen in the air. This year, as the Coronavirus pandemic spreads, every sneeze or cough seems like cause for alarm. But there are key differences between allergy symptoms and those of COVID-19.

Seasonal allergies generally cause a runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, sneezing and a cough. The main indicator of COVID-19 is a fever. So if you are experiencing allergy symptoms with no fever, rest assured that you are likely not at risk (but when in doubt, experts advise staying home and self-isolating).

Even though spring allergy symptoms are not cause for major concern in this heightened time, it’s still important for allergy sufferers to be aware and take good care of their health. This is especially true for heart disease patients, according to the American Heart Association.

Avoid OTC Allergy Medication

Over-the-counter decongestants are stimulants. They can increase heart rate and raise blood pressure, which is especially harmful for people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Antihistamines may be a better option. However, it’s always best to check with your doctor before taking an over-the-counter medication.

Tips for Minimizing Symptoms

The best way to avoid the impacts of allergies is to keep pollen at bay as much as possible. Keep doors and windows closed, and run the air conditioner for temperature control. After spending time outside, change out of your clothes and take a shower.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Your Spouse’s Health May Affect Your Heart

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many people are buying gifts and planning dates, thinking about the best way to show their love. Here’s an idea that could really be good for your partner’s heart: adopt healthier habits! That’s the takeaway from new research into the effect of one spouse’s health on another.

Spouse’s Health May Affect Your Heart — photo credit: @brandless accessed 01/23/20 via CC0

In the study, researchers examined five years of biometric and blood test data from more than 5,000 couples. They examined each participant’s overall cardiovascular health and levels of risk factors such as diet and exercise, smoking, total cholesterol and blood pressure.

Researchers found that couples were actually more likely to align on negative health habits, such as eating an unhealthy diet or not exercising enough. It followed that, in three-fourths of couples studied, if one partner had suboptimal heart health, the other partner did too.

The study findings didn’t come as much of a surprise, researchers said. We tend to marry people who are similar to us. Further, if one member of a household is exposed to a factor that affects health, such as lack of access to healthy food, the other members usually are too.

But researchers say that the study findings present a unique opportunity: to focus on one spouse’s health in order to improve the health of a couple, a family or even a community.

Want to protect your family’s health in just one day? Sign up for a Minneapolis CPR class with HeartCert CPR!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Is Heart Attack Risk Higher in Winter?

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Here in Minnesota, we’re no strangers to the extremes of winter weather. From blizzards to ice to subzero temperatures, we know how to deal with whatever comes our way. But are we taking good care of our heart and health during these cold winter months? Maybe not.

According to the American Heart Association, it isn’t just the exertion of shoveling show that can harm the heart. There are several additional factors that have been shown to impact heart health – and they affect people all over the world, not just in cold weather climates like Minnesota.

Cold Temperatures

When you step outside into cold weather, the temperature makes arteries constrict, decreasing blood flow and the delivery of oxygen. Cold weather also increases the formation of blood clots.

Flu Season

The flu spreads quickly during the winter months. Studies have found an increase in heart attacks after people come down with the flu.

Indoor Pollution

Wood-burning fireplaces create coziness and warmth. But they also significantly increase indoor air pollution, which can harm the heart.

Shorter Days

A lack of sunshine means a deficiency in vitamin D for many people. Seasonal Affective Disorder can lead to depression, which in turn can raise the risk of cardiac disease. In addition, it can be tough to find time or motivation to get out and exercise when the daylight hours are short.

Holiday Stressors

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and Valentine’s Day – these are all lovely celebrations, but they can be immensely stressful. Because stress impacts heart health, the holiday season has been found to raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Snow

Shoveling. Need we say more?

Because many of these winter heart stressors are unavoidable, it’s even more important to take good care of your health during the colder months. Eat a healthy diet, stay active, take time for self-care, get enough sleep, and, of course, learn CPR!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Eat Low-Cholesterol Food for Better Heart Health

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

It has long been known that cholesterol is a major contributor to heart and vascular disease. Now, a new advisory has been issued by the American Heart Association, urging people to eat foods that are naturally lower in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Focus on Diet, Not a Number

You might be asking: isn’t this the same advice we’ve been getting from doctors and researchers for decades? Yes, but with one significant difference. Experts no longer support a specific numerical limit on cholesterol. Rather, the advisory encourages a diet of naturally low-cholesterol foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Perhaps more importantly, saturated fats from full-fat dairy and meat, as well as salt, sugar and processed foods, should be avoided.

Looking for ways to reduce dietary sodium? Read our blog post!

There are a few caveats. Small amounts of specific high-cholesterol foods are safe to consume. This includes eggs (about one per day) or an equivalent of lean meat or protein.

Why is Cholesterol Harmful?

Some cholesterol is essential for the body to function. However, when too much saturated fat is consumed, an excess of cholesterol can build up in the blood. This can cause deposits to form in the arteries, potentially blocking blood flow and leading to heart attack or stroke.

How to Limit Cholesterol Intake

Experts recommend a Mediterranean-style diet, which traditionally focus on fresh produce, whole grains and healthy fats. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post with heart-healthy eating tips.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

What is a Heart Attack?

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Four Numbers to Track for Heart Health

Blood Pressure

Cholesterol

Blood Sugar

Sleep

What’s one additional way to protect the hearts of those around you? Learn CPR!