After the news of Nana Patekar’s demise, discussion has also started regarding cardiac arrest. The 75-year-old actor was found unconscious at his home in Goa. According to initial information, he had suffered a serious cardiac arrest. After reaching the hospital, doctors tried to give him CPR for about 45 minutes to save him, but he could not be saved.
Often people consider heart attack and cardiac arrest to be the same disease, whereas there is a lot of difference between the two. In a heart attack, there is a blockage in the vein that supplies blood to the heart, whereas in a cardiac arrest, due to deterioration in the electrical activity of the heart, it suddenly stops pumping blood. In such a situation CPR becomes very important.
What happens in heart attack?
Heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart. Due to this, the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle may reduce or stop and that part starts getting damaged. During this period the heart usually keeps beating. Chest pain or pressure, difficulty in breathing, cold sweat and pain reaching the arm, back, neck or jaw can be some of its signs. If such symptoms are seen, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
How is cardiac arrest different from a heart attack?
In cardiac arrest, the problem is related to the electrical system of the heart. Suddenly the heartbeat can become so disturbed that it stops pumping blood in the body. In such a situation, the person may suddenly fall, lose consciousness and may stop breathing normally. In the case of Nana Patekar too, he was rushed to the hospital after being found unconscious at home and the doctors continuously tried to save him through CPR.
What is CPR and when is it useful?
CPR i.e. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is an emergency procedure. When a person’s breathing or heartbeat stops, a trained person tries to maintain blood flow by applying continuous pressure to the center of the chest. Rescue breathing can also be given as per need.
In the event of cardiac arrest, it is extremely important to immediately call emergency services, begin CPR, and use an AED if available. In Nana Patekar’s case, doctors performed CPR for about 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.