Heart Attack

Treatment disparities based on age exist.

A recent study indicated that those patients who were very old (i.e. over 90) did not receive the same treatment per heart guidelines when admitted to the emergency room.

The reason? Seems it was based on their age alone. Although, case review has indicated that other than bleeding, the very old did just as well when state of the art practice was provided, as it was for their younger counter parts.

It is estimated that 900 Americans a day have a cardiac arrest (i.e. the heart stops beating). A very dangerous situation! Knowledge of CPR may be able to save a life, if applied correctly.

CPR: Small acronym for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. Everyone should be educated in how to apply CPR, as 75% of cardiac arrests occur at home.

Treatment options for a heart attack depend on when the treatment is delivered.

Immediate action can save a life. If you think someone has had a heart attack:

• Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical help.

Effect of Very High-Intensity Statin Therapy on Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis
Journal of the American Medical Association
JAMA. 2006 Mar 13; [Epub ahead of print]
JAMA. 2006;295:(doi:10.1001/jama.295.13.jpc60002)

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition that results when the heart muscle is unable to pump blood as efficiently as is needed. High blood pressure can cause congestive heart failure. Failure of the heart pump can also result from many other causes, such as severe anemia, hyperthyroidism, heart attacks, and arrhythmias of the heart.

The Procedures and Tests Center is an online source for cardiovascular procedures information. In this center you can find the answers to your concerns on cardiovascular pro