Claustrophobia and Bypass Surgery

One of the first things I noticed a few months after my heart attack and triple bypass surgery in July, 2007 was a problem I had going into elevators and confined spaces. It first happened a couple of months after my surgery when my wife and I travelled to Twin Towns club to see a show and we had to take the elevator from the ground floor to the sixth floor where the auditorium was located.

  

Now this was not the first time we had been to this club to see a show and certainly was not the first time we had taken the crowded elevator up to the floor where the show was taking place. However, it most definitely was the first time, as we were standing at the back of the full elevator, that a feeling of “dread” consumed me and I felt like screaming and collapsing and could feel my heart racing.

My wife could see what was happening, it was that obvious I guess.

In short, I felt like I was having a panic attack and it wasn’t nice. In fact this was the first of what was to be a series of such attacks any time I went into an elevator or found myself in a confined space like in the back of a coffee shop or even sitting between two people in the back seat of a car.

That feeling also reared its ugly head during the show itself, a Wickety Wak show from memory - we were seated in the middle of a row in a full house and that feeling of being surrounded and "cramped in" was both new and difficult to cope with.

As I soon found out, this feeling of claustrophobia/panic attack/anxiety became the norm and occurred when we went to the movies or to see a show at any venue. I learnt very quickly when booking tickets for a show to book aisle seats.

And this feeling of an impending anxiety attack still happens today when we go to the movies or to see a show eight years later!

I can distinctly remember on one occasion when I took the train from where I live on the Gold Coast up to Brisbane how I had to go through “mind control” and deep breathing exercises to overcome that terrible feeling of a panic attack coming on whilst sitting in the “confined” space of a train car.

When this first happened I did some research and asked around and even asked other people who had gone through bypass surgery if they had had similar experiences and asked them if they understood what I was talking about.

To be truthful, not everyone knew what I was referring to but there were some who did which, I guess, made me feel like I was not crazy and not the only one dealing with these issues.

I also mentioned this to my cardiologist and he confirmed that this was not knew for what people like me had been through: heart attack, multiple cardioversions and of course open-heart surgery/triple bypass.

Knowing this was helpful, dealing with it was the challenge and as I said above, I had to develop techniques to cope which included deep breathing and “concentration” exercises to help me take my mind off the problem.

In early 2011 following heart related issues my cardiologist ordered me to have a CT angiogram and I can clearly remember today, 4+ years later how I just about freaked out when they l lay me down and I started to go through the tunnel, twice they had to pull me out before I could complete the test.

And a year later in 2012 I had a similar bad experience when I needed a CT scan for lower back/spine issues to determine what was causing me severe lower back pain. This happened again earlier this year when I again needed a SPECT CT scan on my back.

My biggest challenge came three years later in October, 2010 when I had to fly interstate. The thought of this scared me and even though it was enough to just about bring on a panic attack. I took the flight. I remember I really had trouble coping and whilst it may not have been obvious to those around me on the plane, I know inside myself I was anxious and really struggling to keep it together.

Over time I thought, hoped, this would get better and I guess it did, however, three years later in January, 2013 I had to fly interstate for one of my children’s weddings. The whole process began again and the “fear of flying” became real. The flight was twice as long as the one a few years earlier and I was fearful I was going to have issues again.

This time I planned ahead. I made sure I had aisle seats so that I would not have that “cramped in” feeling sitting against the window if the flight was full. I also decided that this time I would take a valium to help calm me down. Doing this definitely helped.

Now, a few years later I am preparing for another interstate flight and part of me is dreading this. Sure, things have improved a lot since my surgery in 2007 but that fear is still there. I have booked aisle seats so this is taken care of and I will no doubt take a Valium before the flights and I am sure everything will be fine, however, best to be prepared as I was taught in the Boy Scouts.

Dealing with the after effects of a heart attack and bypass surgery is one thing, coping with these in addition to dealing with additional medical issues including diabetes, thyroid and respiratory conditions can most certainly make life challenging.

This is a link to an interesting article that deals with this question of Claustrophobia and Bypass Surgery: http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=b9cffbea-8c7f-4f9e-a2eb-0614bfd42b4d

Claustrophobia link to heart bypass: study

Canadian researchers have uncovered what seems like a bizarre side effect of a common operation, finding many heart-bypass patients experience severe claustrophobia after their surgery.

Pump Head - Cognitive Impairment After Bypass Surgery

A study from Duke University, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in February, 2001, confirms what many doctors have suspected, but have been reluctant to discuss with their patients: A substantial proportion of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery experience measurable impairment in their mental capabilities.

In the surgeons’ locker room, this phenomenon (not publicized for obvious reasons) has been referred to as "pump head."

In the Duke study, 261 patients having bypass surgery were tested for their cognitive capacity (i.e. mental ability) at four different times: before surgery, six weeks, six months, and five years after bypass surgery.

Patients were deemed to have significant impairment if they had a 20% decrease in test scores.

This study had three major findings

·        * Cognitive impairment does indeed occur after bypass surgery. This study should move the existence of this phenomenon from the realm of locker room speculation to the realm of fact.

·        * The incidence of cognitive impairment was greater than most doctors would have predicted. In this study, 42% of patients had at least a 20% drop in test scores after surgery.

·        * The impairment was not temporary, as many doctors have claimed (or at least hoped).

You can read more about this study using this link: http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/bypasssurgery/a/pumphead.htm

Postperfusion syndrome, also known as "pumphead"

"Postperfusion syndrome, also known as "pumphead", is a constellation of neurocognitive impairments attributed to cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery. Symptoms of postperfusion syndrome are subtle and include defects associated with attention, concentration, short term memory, fine motor function, and speed of mental and motor responses. Studies have shown a high incidence of neurocognitive deficit soon after surgery, but the deficits are often transient with no permanent neurological impairment." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postperfusion_syndrome

This is not something to be dismissed lightly and many who have had bypass surgery comment on issues such as memory loss after surgery. Sometimes talking to others who have dealt with this problem is helpful.

Postperfusion Syndrome (pumphead) Facebook groups:

These groups may help people who have suffered memory loss after cardiac surgery and/or issues with fine motor skills and speed of mental and motor responses. Use these links to find out more about these group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/277112179141875/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490829674283544/

Heart Disease and Stress Tests

A stress test can be used to test for heart disease. Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test.

What Is an Exercise Stress Test?

The exercise stress test -- also called a stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG -- is used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.

Why Do I Need a Stress Test?

Your doctor uses the stress test to:

• Determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your heart medications to control angina and ischemia
• Determine the likelihood of having coronary heart disease and the need for further evaluation
• Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve blood flow within the heart vessels in people with coronary heart disease
• Identify abnormal heart rhythms
• Assess the function of heart valves if they are not functioning properly
• Help you develop a safe exercise program

What Are the Types of Stress Tests?

There are many different types of stress tests, including:

• Treadmill stress test: As long as you can walk and have a normal ECG, this is normally the first stress test performed. You walk on a treadmill while being monitored to see how far you walk and if you develop chest pain or changes in your ECG that suggest that your heart is not getting enough blood.

• Dobutamine or Adenosine Stress Test: This test is used in people who are unable to exercise. A drug is given to make the heart respond as if the person were exercising. This way the doctor can still determine how the heart responds to stress, but no exercise is required.
• Stress echocardiogram: An echocardiogram (often called "echo") is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. A stress echo can accurately visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed; it may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests.
• Nuclear stress test: This test helps to determine which parts of the heart are healthy and function normally and which are not. A small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the patient. Then the doctor uses a special camera to identify the rays emitted from the substance within the body; this produces clear pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These pictures are done both at rest and after exercise. Using this technique, areas of the heart that have a decreased blood supply can be detected.

Preparation for these types of stress tests will vary from preparation for the exercise stress test. Ask your doctor about any specific instructions.

Learn more about stress tests and different forms of tests that are used using this link: http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/stress-test

Losing Friends and Acquaintances on Facebook

Over the past few months a number of people in different heart support groups I am a member of have lost their battle with their health issues. Some I knew better than others through interaction and others I only knew of from their comments made in that group.

Such sad events are not an all to subtle reminder that life can be short and can end without warning. For those of us who deal with heart disease, heart related issues, CVD and/or other medical conditions including diabetes, the losing of a FB 'friend' or 'acquaintance' can hit home hard, it can be like losing a member of the family, albeit extended, distant family.

More importantly such a sad passing should be a 'wake-up call' that some of us are not here for a long time and that we should make the most of the time that we have.

HYPOGLYCEMIA - Do you know what to do?

I want to raise an issue which I came across last night when giving a talk to a community service group (Rotary, Lions, Probus etc) here where I live. However, first I need to mention I am T2 diabetic and I am also a heart attack survivor and have/had Graves Disease (thyroid burnt out in 1998). I am on medication for all of the above and often can have issues with balancing my meds but that is fine, I am attuned this, know what to watch out for and have plans of action, including one for when a Hypo occurs.

Now last night I was out giving a talk on behalf of Heart Foundation with whom I am a volunteer speaker. The topic was Recognizing Heart Attack symptoms and being aware of the risk factors of heart disease. I have done this talk a number of times but something happened during last night's talk to 36 people which got me thinking.

Heart Foundation for a while has been running public awareness campaigns about heart disease etc. but what happened last night got me thinking about what the various Diabetes organizations are doing in the community regarding one aspect of Diabetes awareness and that is what to do if, when, someone has an hypoglycemic episode?

About 20 mins in to my talk last night I noticed one lady put her hands on the table (it was a meeting where I was the guest speaker after dinner) and then watched her slowly put her head down and then rest it on the table. My initial thought was she is tired and then I thought, given the topic I was presenting that this could be a 'worst case scenario' of someone having a heart event at the meeting.

Within minutes, others on the table looked concerned, some got up and huddled up around her and I heard the word DIABETES.

I got down from the rostrum, went over to see if I could help and heard a comment that she had had a low blood reading earlier in the day and she didn't have any meds with her for her diabetes. The thought of this lady having a HYPO came to mind but given we had only had dinner a short time earlier I wasn't sure.

When I went up to the lady and looked at her and tried to speak to her, she was virtually unable to speak and I thought she was only minutes away from passing out. I ascertained it was a HYPO, organized for a glass of coke and went to my bag to get my jelly beans and proceeded to give her a few.

After sipping down half of the glass of coke and eating a few of the jelly beans the lady picked up and within five minutes was sitting upright at the table as if nothing had happened. I went back to my talk, spoke to the lady afterwards and it was apparent she knew what happened but was just not prepared nor were any of those from the group I was addressing.

And this brings me to the issue, I believe, of the need for a public awareness campaign to be introduced of what to look out for in someone having an Hypoglycemic episode and what to do if this happens to a family member, a work colleague, a social friend etc.

Campaigns abound re: T2 Diabetes just as they do for people learning CPR and how to us AED's but I am unaware of any awareness campaigns in the community to show people how to recognize a Hypo and how to help someone having an episode.

So I am posing this question here for comment and suggestions. I know this is something I will pursue where and when I can both when I give talks and on Facebook and elsewhere but am interested to hear from others on this topic.

Learn more about hypoglycemia including symptoms and treatments using these links:

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/hypoglycaemia

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/what-is-a-hypo.html

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html

THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE? CALL 911/000 IMMEDIATELY!

THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE?

CALL 911/000 IMMEDIATELY!

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 911/000 for help right away. F.A.S.T. is:

Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly? Time to call 911/000 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Courtesy of American Heart and Stroke Associations:

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp

Use this link to learn more stroke warning signs and symptoms:

http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Learn-More-Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_451207_Article.jsp

What is a TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack?

When blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time, also called transient ischemic attack (TIA), it can mimic stroke-like symptoms. These symptoms appear and last less than 24 hours before disappearing. While TIAs generally do not cause permanent brain damage, they are a serious warning sign that a stroke may happen in the future and should not be ignored.

TIAs are usually caused by one of three things:

1.     Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain, such as the carotid artery.

2.     A blood clot in another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

3.     Narrowing of the smaller blood vessel in the brain, blocking blood flow for a short period of time; usually caused by plaque (a fatty substance) build-up.

Some important facts to keep in mind include:

• 40 percent of people who have a TIA will have an actual stroke
• Nearly half of all strokes occur within the first few days after a TIA

 Learn more about TIAs using this link: 
 http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke/what-tia

Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This causes blood not to reach the brain. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for this type of stroke. Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes. An ischemic stroke can occur in two ways.

Embolic Stroke

In an embolic stroke, a blood clot or plaque fragment forms somewhere in the body (usually the heart) and travels to the brain. Once in the brain, the clot travels to a blood vessel small enough to block its passage. The clot lodges there, blocking the blood vessel and causing a stroke. About 15% of embolic strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation (Afib). The medical word for this type of blood clot is embolus.

Thrombotic Stroke

A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot that forms inside one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.  This type of stroke is usually seen in people with high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis. The medical word for a clot that forms on a blood-vessel deposit is thrombus.

Two types of blood clots can cause thrombotic stroke: large vessel thrombosis and small vessel disease.  

Large Vessel Thrombosis

The most common form of thrombotic stroke (large vessel thrombosis) occurs in the brain’s larger arteries. In most cases it is caused by long-term atherosclerosis in combination with rapid blood clot formation. High cholesterol is a common risk factor for this type of stroke.

Small Vessel Disease

Another form of thrombotic stroke happens when blood flow is blocked to a very small arterial vessel (small vessel disease or lacunar infarction). Little is known about the causes of this type of stroke, but it is closely linked to high blood pressure.

Learn more about Strokes using this link:

http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke/ischemic-stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke

There are two types of stroke, hemorrhagic and ischemic. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common, in fact only 15 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic, but they are responsible for about 40 percent of all stroke deaths.

A hemorrhagic stroke is either a brain aneurism burst or a weakened blood vessel leak. Blood spills into or around the brain and creates swelling and pressure, damaging cells and tissue in the brain. There are two types of hemorrhagic stroke called intracerebal and subarachnoid

Intracerebral Hemorrhage
The most common hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel inside the brain bursts and leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue (intracerebal hemorrhage). The bleeding causes brain cells to die and the affected part of the brain stops working correctly. High blood pressure and aging blood vessels are the most common causes of this type of stroke.

Sometimes intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). AVM is a genetic condition of abnormal connection between arteries and veins and most often occurs in the brain or spine. If AVM occurs in the brain, vessels can break and bleed into the brain.  The cause of AVM is unclear but once diagnosed it can be treated successfully.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This type of stroke involves bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissue covering the brain, known as the subarachnoid space. This type of stroke is most often caused by a burst aneurism. Other causes include:

• AVM
• Bleeding disorders
• Head injury
• Blood thinners

To learn more about Hemorrhagic strokes use this link: http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke/hemorrhagic-stroke

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a "brain attack". It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability.

Stroke By The Numbers

• Each year nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.
• A stroke happens every 40 seconds
• Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Every 4 minutes someone dies from stroke
• Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented
• Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S.

     Learn more about Strokes using this link:

     http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke

Stroke facts

Although stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability, many myths surround this disease. Test how much you know about stroke today:

                             MYTH                                                                         FACT    

MYTH: Stroke cannot be prevented.	FACT: Up to 80 percent of strokes are  preventable.
MYTH: There is no treatment for stroke.	FACT: At any sign of stroke call 9-1-1-  immediately. Treatment may be available.
MYTH: Stroke only affects the elderly.	FACT: Stroke can happen to anyone at any time.
MYTH: Stroke happens in the heart.	FACT: Stroke is a "brain attack".
MYTH: Stroke recovery only happens for the first few months after a stroke.	FACT: Stroke recovery is a lifelong process.
MYTH: Strokes are rare.	FACT: There are nearly 7 million stroke  survivors in the U.S. Stroke is the 5th  leading cause of death in the U.S.
MYTH: Strokes are not hereditary.	FACT: Family history of stroke increases  your chance for stroke.
MYTH: If stroke symptoms go away, you don’t have to see a doctor.	FACT: Temporary stroke symptoms are  called transient ischemic attacks (TIA).  They are warning signs prior to actual  stroke and need to be taken seriously.

     Learn more about Strokes using this link:

     http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke

Five Things You Should Know About Delayed Healing and Diabetes

There are many things you have to worry about when you live with diabetes, such as being unable to heal properly.

Courtesy:  Information About Diabetes

Don't let a small scrape or sore turn into a serious concern.

Here are five things you should know about delayed healing and preventing infection.

1. Poor Circulation

High blood sugar levels can harden the arteries and cause blood vessels to become narrow. If this happens, it can lead to decreased oxygen and blood flow to a wound. A wound that does not receive enough nutrients and oxygen will heal much slower than normal.

High blood sugar levels can also negatively affect how red blood cells carry nutrients to tissues, especially in the lower extremities, such as the feet. When sugar levels are high, white blood cells are not able to fight infection as efficiently as they should.

2. Neuropathy

When blood sugar levels are not controlled, the nerves in the body can become affected, which can result in a loss of sensation. This is called diabetic neuropathy, and it is another important risk that diabetics must keep in mind when dealing with injuries, as wounds can often go untreated or ignored because the awareness of pain has changed or been lost. Patients will not feel when a blister, infection or surgery wound has become a problem.

3. Ischemia

Ischemia occurs when there is short supply of blood to body tissues. Ischaemic ulcers can often be the result of ill-fitting shoes and generally happen where the foot and the shoe make contact. One example is at the tip of the big toe or underneath the toe nails. Wounds like these may worsen with pressure and develop a pale discoloration and reddening.

4. The Immune System

When blood sugar levels are high, the immune system is not able to protect or repair the body like it should, which raises the danger of infection. Studies have shown that certain enzymes and hormones that the body produces as a response to high blood sugar levels may be responsible for negatively impacting the immune system.

5. Obesity

Obesity, which is often associated with type 2 diabetes, can also have a negative effect on healing. One of the reasons why obesity can undermine the healing process is because fatty tissue does not have all of the nutrients that the blood cells need in order to recover.

How to Prevent Infection and Improve Healing Time

Maintain a healthful diet full of nutrients that help you regulate your blood sugar levels. Make sure your diet is full of essential vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help with the healing process.

Be aware of your body and check for open wounds and pressure points, especially on your feet. Keep an eye out for signs of infection and contact your doctor if the wound does not appear to heal.

Maintaining a regular exercise routine can help to lower blood sugar levels, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce chronic inflammation. It may also help with cardiovascular health, which is important for maintaining good circulation for the healing of existing wounds and can help prevent future ones as well.

Sources: WoundCareCenters.org and NursingTimes.net

Interview with Channel Seven's Today Tonight programme about NDE - Oct 09, 2008

In October 2008, Channel Seven did a second interview with me for their Today Tonight program regarding the question of NDE - Near Death Experience. Here it is.

Interview with Channel Seven Morning Show - June 6, 2008

In this brief interview with the Channel Seven Morning Show (at the 1min 30sec mark of the interview) I also make a clear reference to the fact that diabetics need to be aware that they may not have the classic symptoms when having a heart attack.

This interview took place on my first birthday after my heart attack and but for a lot of luck, great work by a couple of paramedics, doctors and nurses at Gold Coast Hospital, I would not have been around to do this interview.

CPR: Separating Fact From Fiction

CPR: Separating Fact From Fiction

Some 70 percent of Americans either don't know or have forgotten how to administer this lifesaving measure (and I wouldn't be surprised if this stat was similar in Australia and elsewhere around the world).

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency procedure performed on a person who has no pulse or is not breathing as a result of cardiac arrest.

The maneuver combines chest compressions with rescue mouth-to-mouth breathing to keep oxygen-rich blood circulating in the body until the heart resumes pumping. In addition to calling 911/000 for help and getting an automated external defibrillator, bystander CPR is one of the most important early responses in cases of sudden collapse and loss of consciousness due to cardiac arrest. Ample evidence shows that CPR can save lives and improve neurologic outcomes in survivors.

Yet, the American Heart Association estimates that some 70 percent of Americans either don't know or have forgotten how to administer this lifesaving measure.

Most cardiac arrests occur among acutely ill, hospitalized patients, but of cardiac arrest cases that occur outside the hospital, the vast majority strike at home. So learning CPR can save a loved one's or a stranger's life.

There are several persistent misconceptions that discourage many people from learning CPR. Here are some of the most common CPR myths debunked.

Fiction: Cardiac arrest is the same as a heart attack.

Fact: The two conditions are not the same. A cardiac arrest is a sudden, unexpected cessation of heart function that occurs when there is an electrical disturbance in the heart that causes it to stop beating altogether or makes it quiver weakly and inefficiently, interrupting life-sustaining blood flow to the brain. A heart attack is caused by a blockage in blood flow to the heart muscle. While a heart attack could, in some cases, lead to cardiac arrest, they are decidedly not the same.

Fiction: People who need CPR are usually older and sicker.

Fact: This is definitely a myth, and a dangerous one. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone and everyone, regardless of age, gender or race. In fact, many victims of cardiac arrest have no history of medical problems.

Fiction: CPR for infants, children and adults is exactly the same.

Fact: Although the basic steps in adult and pediatric CPR are similar, there are nuances that are important to learn during a training course. For example, children require less forceful chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Fiction: Bystanders can be sued for performing CPR if they hurt the victim.

Fact: Wrong. While unintentional injuries, like breaking of the ribs, can occur in the process of administering a lifesaving maneuver, so-called Good Samaritan laws protect those who provide emergency medical assistance.

Fiction: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is mandatory.

Fact: Not true. Rescue breaths should be given with a barrier device, but if one is not available, chest compressions alone can and should be performed. CPR that solely involves chest compressions can be just as effective as standard CPR. In fact, the American Heart Association has recommended chest-compression-only CPR for adults since 2008.

Fiction: CPR always works.

Fact: Sadly, far from it. The pop culture narrative of CPR, fueled by fictional portrayals in film and television, is that it invariably brings cardiac arrest victims back to life. In reality, the survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests is less than 10 percent. However, CPR could boost survival rate by up to 30 percent if the maneuver is started immediately and followed by electric shocks delivered with a defibrillator.

Fiction: CPR is only a matter of life-or-death.

Fact: There's more to CPR than bringing a person back to life. During a cardiac arrest, victims have minimal supply of oxygenated blood traveling to the brain, which could cause rapid brain cell death and irreversible neurologic damage. Cardiac arrest survivors with brain damage can suffer devastating injuries that leave them speechless or immobilized. In addition to saving lives, CPR can reduce the risk of neurologic injury or minimize its extent.

Fiction: CPR is like riding a bike. Once you learn it, you will never forget it.

Fact: Since it was first performed in 1740, CPR has evolved to keep up with new insights about human physiology. The steps and techniques have been updated as we learn more and more about how to improve survival. This is why taking recertification classes once every two years is so important.

Fiction: I can get certified by taking an online course or watching a video.

Fact: Videos and online modules are valuable resources that cover the basics of CPR and can reach countless people. One study even found that people who view CPR instructional videos are far more likely to attempt resuscitation. However, CPR certification and recertification require an in-person training session.

Fiction: There are only a handful of places to obtain CPR training.

Fact: Decidedly wrong. Because of CPR's critical importance, classes are offered widely and frequently. The American Heart Association and Red Cross websites list CPR training locations by geographic area.

Original article can be found here: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/07/08/cpr-separating-fact-from-fiction