Cardiac distress is a broad term for discomfort or symptoms originating from the heart. It signals that the heart is under strain and requires prompt attention, indicating underlying issues with cardiac function.
Recognizing Cardiac Distress
Identifying cardiac distress involves being aware of several signs and symptoms. Chest pain, often described as pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing across the chest, is a common indicator. This discomfort can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Pain may also radiate from the chest to other areas of the body, including one or both arms (typically the left), the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Individuals might experience shortness of breath, even without significant physical exertion. Other symptoms include lightheadedness or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats.
Common Causes of Cardiac Distress
Cardiac distress often stems from underlying heart conditions that affect its ability to pump blood effectively. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a primary cause, characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. This reduced blood supply can lead to angina, a type of chest pain, and may progress to a heart attack if blood flow is severely blocked.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when part of the heart muscle dies due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood, often triggered by a blood clot in a narrowed coronary artery. Heart failure, where the heart’s pumping or relaxing functions are impaired, can also cause distress, leading to fluid buildup and shortness of breath. Arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, disrupt the heart’s electrical activity and can manifest as palpitations or a racing heart. Less common causes include pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, and aortic dissection, a tear in the body’s largest artery.
Immediate Actions for Cardiac Distress
If someone experiences or witnesses signs of cardiac distress, immediately call emergency services. Prompt medical attention improves the chances of survival and can limit heart damage.
While waiting for responders, ensure the person sits down, rests, and tries to remain calm. Loosen any tight clothing around their neck or chest to ease breathing. If the person has a known heart condition and has been prescribed nitroglycerin, help them take it as directed. Do not administer aspirin unless specifically instructed by emergency medical personnel.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Medical professionals diagnose cardiac distress through physical examination and specific tests. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the heart’s electrical signals, revealing abnormalities in rhythm or signs of damage. Blood tests can identify specific proteins, like cardiac enzymes, released into the bloodstream when heart muscle is damaged.
Imaging techniques such as an echocardiogram use sound waves to create images of the heart, showing its size, structure, and how well it pumps blood. Stress tests, often involving walking on a treadmill or using medication to increase heart rate, assess how the heart performs under exertion. Treatments may include oxygen therapy, pain relief medications like morphine, and drugs to improve heart function or blood flow, such as anti-clotting medications or nitroglycerin.
Preventive Measures
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in reducing the risk of cardiac distress and overall heart disease. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars is beneficial. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness or regular exercise also contributes to heart health. Quitting smoking is important, as tobacco damages blood vessels and increases heart disease risk. Controlling existing medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes through prescribed medications and lifestyle adjustments helps prevent cardiac complications.